Minimum Data
The minimum data set (MDS) refers to a minimum set of data required to run the crop models and validate the outputs. Validation requires:
- Site weather data for the duration of the growing season,
- Site soil data, and
- Management and observed data from an experiment.
1. MDS Weather Data
The required minimum weather data includes::- latitude and longitude of the weather station,
- daily values of incoming solar radiation (MJ/m²-day),
- maximum and minimum air temperature (ºC), and
- rainfall (mm).
Accessory data sets, such as daily dry and wet bulb temperatures and wind speed, are optional.
The period of weather records for validation must, at a minimum, cover the duration of the experiment and preferably should begin a few weeks before planting and continue a few weeks after harvest so that "what-if" type analyses may be performed as desirable.2. MDS Soil Data
Desired soil data includes soil classification (e.g. USDA/NRCS), surface slope, soil color, permeability, and drainage class. Soil profile data by soil horizons include:
- upper and lower horizon depths (cm),
- percentage sand, silt, and clay centent,
- 1/3 bar bulk density,
- organic carbon,
- pH in water,
- aluminum saturation, and
- information on abundance of roots..
3. Management and Experiment/Observed Data
Management data includes information on planting date, dates when soil conditions were measured prior to planting, planting density, row spacing, planting depth, crop variety, irrigation, and fertilizer practices. This data are needed for both model validation and strategy evaluation.
In addition to site soil and weather data, experimental data includes crop growth data, soil water and fertility measurements. This data are needed for model validation.
Back