Assessing Soil Water and Nitrogen Movement Using EU-Rotate_N Model for Greenhouse Tomato Cultivation in the Region with Shallow Water Table

Abstract

This study is conducted to evaluate the modified EU-Rotate_N model for accurate estimation of soil water, nitrogen dynamics, and crop yield, which is crucial for maintaining yields while minimizing root zone contamination. This study utilizes the modified EU-Rotate_N model to simulate nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) and soil water content (SWC) at various depths in a region with a high water table near the Yangtze River, focusing on tomato crops under different nitrogen (N) treatments for precise N management in a greenhouse. Comparing the modified model with the original, it demonstrates superior performance in simulating SWC and NO₃⁻-N at different depths. The modified model exhibits increased root mean square error (RMSE) values (9.48%, 6.21%, 15.82%), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values (9.39%, 27.74%, 46.14%), and index of agreement (d) values (1.34%, 1.22%, 1.91%) at three depths of soil layer with a 10 cm increment from 0 to 30 cm under all nitrogen treatments. Similarly, the modified model enhances soil nitrate content simulation, showing increased RMSE (13.72%, 7.48%, 9.99%), NSE values (9.93%, 19.33%, 13.75%), and d values (1.75%, 1.75%, 1.52%) at three soil depths. Furthermore, the modified model aligns well with measured values in simulating tomato yield, despite a slight insignificant increase in yield. This study reveals the effectiveness of the modified EU-Rotate_N model in assessing SWC, NO3⁻-N, and crop yield in Jiangsu Province, particularly in areas with a high water table. The outcomes highlight the applicability of the model for analyzing and evaluating field management techniques in regions characterized by an elevated water table.