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Managing nitrogen (N) for field-grown irrigated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) remains challenging in many production regions worldwide, particularly in environments prone to nutrient losses. Modelling tomato growth and yield could assist stakeholders with providing optimal crop management strategies for specific locations and production systems. The goal of this study was, therefore, to calibrate and evaluate the Cropping System Model (CSM) CROPGRO-Tomato model using detailed growth and N measurements of field-grown, plastic-mulched, irrigated crops under different N rates from comprehensive experiments spanning 1991 to 2007 that were conducted in Florida, USA. Species N-related parameters were calibrated to account for crop responses to N rates ranging from 0 to 336 kg ha−1. The Willmott d index exceeded 0.90 (maximum of 1.00; the higher the better) for the majority of the crop variables that were measured. The CROPGRO‑Tomato model, now parameterized for N‑limited conditions, predicts crop growth, N accumulation, and yield well across multiple cultivars, environments, and N rates, adding robustness to process-based simulations for fresh‑market tomato systems. After ensuring that model predictions were sufficiently credible, a scenario analysis of the effects of N application rates, ranging from 0 to 350 kg ha−1 in 50 kg ha−1 increments, on tomato yield under optimized irrigation management was simulated using historical weather data from 2003 through 2023 for contrasting environments. N rates between 150 and 250 kg ha−1 seemed sufficient for an optimal tomato yield. While additional testing is appropriate, the CROPGRO-Tomato model stands as a robust simulation tool for balancing productivity and environmental stewardship in intensive tomato production.
Dias et al. (Fri,) studied this question.