Improving the AquaCrop model to achieve direct simulation of evapotranspiration under nitrogen stress and joint simulation-optimization of irrigation and fertilizer schedules

Water and fertilizer management strategy profoundly influences crop yield, water and nitrogen use efficiency. In this study, a framework for joint simulation-optimization of irrigation and fertilizer schedules (JSOIFS) was established by coupling the improved AquaCrop model, W*N-Jensen model and multi-objective programming. Firstly, the AquaCrop model was modified to simulate evapotranspiration (ET) under nitrogen stress through introducing the concept of shoot actual, critical and minimal nitrogen concentration. The accuracy and applicability of the improved AquaCrop model to simulate ET were verified, taking seed maize of Shiyanghe River Basin as a case. On the basis, an optimization model with the objective of maximum yield calculated by W*N-Jensen model and water use efficiency was developed under the scenarios of different levels of available water and nitrogen, and initial soil mineral nitrogen content. Results showed that the improved model can simulate canopy cover (CC) and ET well with and without water stress. Meanwhile, the precision for CC, biomass, ET and yield of seed maize can be guaranteed when water and nitrogen stress coexist. It indicated that the improved model can be used for irrigation and fertilizer management. The optimal irrigation and fertilizer schedules pointed out that the irrigation and nitrogen application, and initial soil mineral nitrogen all have significant effects on yield. In low fertility soils, irrigation should be concentrated during tasseling stage and fertilization is as critical as irrigation. Conversely, in high fertility soils, irrigation should be dispersed throughout the growth period. Water and nitrogen use efficiency have been promoted compared with the status quo. The recommended water and nitrogen application for seed maize are 150–200 mm and 100–150 kg N/ha, respectively, in study area with the mean soil mineral nitrogen of 182 kg N/ha. The improvement of ET simulation performance of AquaCrop model under simultaneous stress of water and nitrogen provides convenience for achieving precise crop management. Meanwhile, the JSOIFS framework realizes the efficient irrigation and fertilizer schedules in arid areas, improves the resources use rate, and is equally applicable to other regions with the same goals.