ISHS Acta Horticulturae 476: International Symposium on Applications of Modelling as InnovativeTechnique in the Agri-Food Chain. MODEL-IT
EFFICIENT COTTON PRODUCTION IN GREECE WITH THE USE OF GOSSYM - A COTTON CROP SIMULATION MODEL |
| Authors: | A. C. Gertsis, A. G. Symeonakis |
| Keywords: | cotton, crop growth |
| Abstract:
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) represents a dynamic crop production system for the agricultural economy of Greece. It is grown in approximately 400,000 ha in average the last few years and supports the income of more than 100,000 rural families. Its production management is based on excessive inputs of water, N fertilizer and agrochemicals, in most cases. This practice is expected to change in the near future due to reformed CAP, the new World trade agreements and serious environmental considerations. New production management strategies should be introduced to optimize yield throughout reduction of major production inputs. A valuable tool to optimise production is represented by GOSSYM, a cotton crop growth and yield simulation model. This model was established, validated and verified in the USA, where it is also used in commercial cotton production. A research study was undertaken in Greece and Spain to evaluate this model under the conditions met in the two cotton producing countries in EU. Results from evaluation in Greece have demonstrated the validity of GOSSYM as a tool for efficient cotton production with low input strategies. | |
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