Using APSIM Model to Optimize Nitrogen Application for Alfalfa Yield Under Different Precipitation Regimes

Yanbiao Wang, Haiyan Li, Yuanbo Jiang, Yaya Duan, Yi Ling, Minhua Yin (), Yanlin Ma, Yanxia Kang, Yayu Wang, Guangping Qi, Guoyun Shen, Boda Li, Jinxi Chen and Huile Lv
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Yanbiao Wang: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Haiyan Li: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Yuanbo Jiang: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Yaya Duan: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Yi Ling: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Minhua Yin: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Yanlin Ma: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Yanxia Kang: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Yayu Wang: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Guangping Qi: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Guoyun Shen: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Boda Li: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Jinxi Chen: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Huile Lv: College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 16, 1-20

Abstract: Scientific nitrogen management is essential for maximizing crop growth potential while minimizing resource waste and environmental impacts. Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely cultivated high-quality leguminous forage crop globally, and is capable of providing nitrogen through nitrogen fixation. However, there remains some disagreement regarding its nitrogen management strategies. This study conducted a three-year field experiment and calibrated the APSIM-Lucerne model. Based on the calibrated model, three typical precipitation year types (dry, normal, and wet years) were selected. Combining field experiments, eight nitrogen application scenarios (0, 80, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, and 240 kg·ha −1 ) were set up. With the objectives of increasing alfalfa yield, nitrogen partial productivity, and nitrogen agronomic efficiency, this study investigates the appropriate nitrogen application thresholds for alfalfa under different precipitation year types. The results showed the following: (1) Alfalfa yield increased first and then decreased with the increase in nitrogen application level. The annual yield of the N160 treatment was the highest (13.39 t·ha −1 ), which was 5.15% to 32.39% higher than that of the other treatments. (2) The APSIM-Lucerne model could well reflect the growth process and yield of alfalfa under different precipitation year types. The R 2 and NRMSE between the simulated and observed values of the former were 0.85–0.91 and 5.33–7.44%, respectively. The R 2 and NRMSE between the simulated and measured values of the latter were 0.74–0.96 and 2.73–5.25%, respectively. (3) Under typical dry, normal, and wet years, the optimal nitrogen application rates for alfalfa yield increases were 120 kg·ha −1 , 140 kg·ha −1 , and 160 kg·ha −1 , respectively. This study can provide a basis for precise nitrogen management of alfalfa under different precipitation year types.

Keywords: APSIM-Lucerne model; precipitation year type; nitrogen regulation; yield; nitrogen use efficiency; alfalfa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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