Application of Cassava Model for Assessment of Site Specific Technology

Abstract

Cassava production model validation was to find out a decision support system for an appropriate cultivar and production technology of specific planting area and evaluation of cassava yield potential. The data of daily climate, soil properties, genetic coefficient and cultural practice were simulated to interface with geographic information system (GIS). The yields of 7 cassava cultivars from 108 farmer’s fields in the north, east and central regions of Thailand were imposed. The results showed that the computerized simulating model could accurately predict cassava yield with the agreement index (AI) of 0.76-0.93, except Rayong cultivar 72 which gave the lowest AI (0.64). All cultivars showed quite low RMSE (0.75-1.75 ton/rai), except Rayong 72 which simulated yield was higher than observed yield. As a whole country area, cassava production model could predict the yield of 7 cassava cultivars depending the variation climate, soil series and planting season. The model can be used as a decision support system tool for cassava production.