Estimating Yield Response Factors for Maize Crop in Jensen Model

Abstract

ABSTRACTAmong the important proposed water-dependent crop production function is that of Jensen's. The application of this model requires knowledge of power parameters that reflect the sensitivity of each growth stage to water deficit. However, the values of these parameters are available only for a limited number of crops. Among the production models to which sensitivity parameters are quite available is that of Doorenbos and Al-Kassam. The objective of this study is to relate these two models. The results of the analysis showed that the yield response parameters for maize crop in Jensen model were found to be (0.1, 0.22, 2.5, 0.3, 0.1) respectively. Also, a polynomial equation is developed to relate predicted yield response parameters in Jensen model to yield response factors, valid for all growth stages, in Doorenbos and Al-Kassam model. A comparison was made between the predicted parameters with those obtained from previous works indicating acceptable agreement.Keywords: crop production function, yield response factor, Jensen model, maize.