Estimating of Corn Yield Based on Agrometeorological Models in the State of Mato Grosso

Aims: The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of agrometeorological models for estimating the yield potential of corn in municipalities of the State of Mato Grosso, referring to the 2014/2015 harvest period.

Location and Duration of the Study: Due to their great potential on corn crop cultivation, four cities were chosen within the State of Mato Grosso: Nova Mutum, Lucas do Rio Verde, Sorriso and Sinop. 2014/2015 harvest period.

Methodology: The yield data were obtained by the Farming Economy Institute of Mato Grosso-IMEA. The physiological ripening cycle considered was 120 days and the seeding period 02/02/2015 and harvest 01/06/2015. In order to calculate yield and the water stress, it was necessary to gather data from meteorological stations near the cities where the work was produced, these data were available at the National Institute of Meteorology. The estimated potential yield data were compared among the agrometeorological models, as well as the real yield obtained in the selected municipalities.

Results: The estimated potential yield data were compared among the agrometeorological models, as well as the real yield obtained in the selected municipalities. There were variances between the agrometeorological models studied, on average estimated 5413.68 kg ha-1 at model 1 and 6766.45 kg ha-1 аt the model 2 (Table 3). It was observed that Model 1 estimated greater yield for Nova Mutum, followed by Sinop, Sorriso and Lucas do Rio Verde, and yet the Model 2 estimated greater potential for Lucas do Rio Verde, followed by the municipalities of Sinop, Sorriso and Nova Mutum (Picture 1 and Table 3). In this regard, the model 2 has characterized the closest potential yield, from the environment yield reality.

Conclusion: The Model 2 has characterized the potential yield closer to the reality of production environment. The difference of all potential yield of corn from all municipalities studied were all directly related to factor interaction which interferes on its growth and development, consequently the difference among these environments. Taking into account the effects of water conditions, the chosen period for seeding can harm the corn yield in the municipality of Lucas do Rio Verde.