Application of a dynamic model for regulating the hydrothermal regime in early potato cultivation in the Volgograd region

The article presents the results of research on the dynamics of development and water consumption of early potatoes, obtained from field observations in a multi-factor experiment, which formed the basis of the initial database of water adaptive regulation, temperature and food regimes based on simulation. The dynamic simulation model “POTATO” developed on this basis is aimed at displaying the processes of phenological development of potatoes and predicting crop yields during irrigation and fertigation. The model provides a forecast of the timing of the early potato development phenological phases, its yield depending on specific soil and weather conditions, as well as irrigation modes (sprinkling, drip and combined ones) and the level of mineral nutrition. The forecast of the dynamics of the culture phenological development allows to adjust the schedule of reclamation measures to regulate water and temperature regimes, taking into account current and forecast meteorological information. The simulation model allows to perform operational management of the hydrothermal and food regime of the agrocoenosis in order to obtain the planned yields. The developed method of regulating the hydrothermal regime based on the “POTATO” simulation model makes it possible to implement operational irrigation management and choose the optimal and cost-effective irrigation strategy.