Abstract
A crop growth model, AMAN, has been developed to simulate rice production under
potential conditions. Growth and productivity of wheat was simulated with the module LID of
the model MACROS. These models take into account of processes like phenological
development, crop growth, partitioning of biomass into leaves, stems, storage organs, and leaf
area development. The AMAN also simulates formation of tillers, florets and grains. The models
were validated for Joydebpur conditions and were then used to simulate potential production of
rice and wheat crops in different regions of the country.
When planted within the optimum time simulated rice yield varied little from region to
region except in coastal areas. Varieties differ in yield potential in different regions; BR11, BR22
and Nizersail gave maximum grain yield of 4-4.6 tha at Joydebpur, Rangpur, Rajshahi and
Jessore and 3.3-3.9 t/ha in the coastal areas. Grain yield of BR14 did not vary much among the
locations, particularly when planted in the optimum time. For higher yield in the coastal areas
rice should be planted late (around September 01). Potential wheat yield varied from 2 to 4.53
t/ha depending on sowing date and location. Wheat thrived best in the north and north western
regions of the country where stable yields of 3.5 to 4.5 t/ha were obtained when sown during
mid-November to late December. In the cooler region, wheat should be sown late for higher
yield.
Rice should be transplanted around mid-August so as to accommodate wheat in time in
a rice-wheat cropping sequence, irrespective of locations. For such a cropping sequence rice
variety BR14 is best suited while BR22 will not allow sowing of wheat in time. Therefore, the
simulation models estimated production of rice and wheat satisfactorily in different regions of
the country and thus they can be used for delineation of potential area for rice-wheat cropping
sequencе.