Abstract

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the performance of potato crop in two major irrigation schemes situated in the Northeast of Algeria. This area is characterized by alluvial soil texture, very fine clay, a very flat topography, and a typical Mediterranean climate. This was done to guide farmers on any changes to their crop management to improve the yields of potato crops. The model SUBSTOR-potato (Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer, DSSAT 4.5) was calibrated and validated for two cropping seasons 2008-2009 and 2009-2010, in order to estimate yields. The calibration of the model required the combination of genetic coefficients that characterize the phenology and morphology of this culture. The model performance was evaluated from statistical coefficients (R², root mean square error (RMSE), and BIAS). The results appear to be satisfactory (R²=0.715, RMSE=34.52 qx/ha, BIAS=-7.34). The observed yield is 254.33 qx/ha and the estimated one is 238.77 qx/ha. There is a positive impact of climate change generated by the model weatherman on yields of potato particular for 2050. This indicates the model using possibility because it improves the results of farmer’s strategies over multiple years.

Key words: SUBSTOR-potato, calibration, simulation, statistical coefficients, Algeria.