Abstract:
Crop growth can be simulated under different water application using simulation models. The main
purpose of deficit irrigation is high water productivity with less application of water to plants. In this
research, the potential of AquaCrop to simulate the growth of cabbages in Keiyo Highlands (0°22’45’’N
and 35°32’9”, 2586 m.a.s.l) under nine different irrigation treatments in the dry season between
December to February was studied. Statistical comparisons of observed and simulated biomass
showed that R 2 = 0.96, Root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.38 tons and coefficient of residuals = -0.17.
The results showed that the model overestimated the biomass of cabbages. The model also provided
excellent simulation of canopy and yield. In this study water productivity of 17 g/cm 2 and Harvest index
of 76% were found for cabbages.
