The APSIM horsegram Module

Introduction

The horsegram module was developed by Dr R. Selvaraju, building largely on the mungbean module developed by Peter Carberry and Michael Robertson . The reader is referred to the science document for the plant module for a comprehensive description of the processes simulated by APSIM-horsegram. This document outlines some horsegram-specific issues that are not covered by the plant science document.

The horsegram module simulates horsegram (black gram or green gram).

Notable features of APSIM-horsegram

• The phenology of horsegram cultivars are photoperiod insensitive.

• The module does not simulate grain weathering, although some users have simulated the number of rainfall events during pod-fill (using the manager module) and used this as a surrogate of weathering damage.

• The module does not simulate production from second and further flushes of flowers and pods.

• APSIM-horsegram is not phosphorus-responsive, this is currently under development.

• Crop growth is not sensitive to waterlogging.

Cultivars

There are 2 cultivars able to be simulated: CO1 and Paiyur. Cultivars differ in terms of biomass partitioning to grain and phenology.

Validation

APSIM-horsegram has received testing in Tamil Nadu, with factors such as cultivars, sowing date, irrigation, soil type, row spacing varying.

In Which Environments Should This Module Be Used With Confidence?

APSIM-horsegram can be used with a high degree of confidence in South India.

References

Robertson, M.J., Carberry, P.S., Huth, N.I., Turpin, J.E., Probert, M.E., Poulton, P.L., Bell, M., Wright, G.C., Yeates, S.J., and Brinsmead, R.B. 2002. Simulation of growth and development of diverse legume species in APSIM, Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 53:429-446.

Robertson, M. J.; Carberry, P. S., and Lucy. M. 2000 Evaluation of cropping options using a participatory approach with on-farm monitoring and simulation: a case study of spring-sown mungbeans. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research. 51:1-12.