MODELING AGROBIOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN VINEYARDS UNDER VARYING WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS USING THE AQUACROP MODEL
Abstract
Purpose. To clarify agrobiological processes and evaluate the yield potential of grapevines under varying water supply conditions by parameterizing the AquaCrop model under rainfed conditions in the Northern Black Sea region. Methods. The study was carried out at the National Scientific Center "Tairov Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking" on bearing vines of grape cultivar 'Zahrey'. AquaCrop (v.7.1) was used to simulate the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum water balance over a 143-day period. Input parameters were adapted using agrometeorological data from 2018 (moderate water deficit, aridity index 0.40) and 2020 (severe deficit, 0.21). Soil parameters (heavy clay loam, 0–100 cm layer) were: bulk density – 1.22 g/cm³, total available water – 152 mm/m. Results. Under similar reference evapotranspiration and growing season precipitation, autumn-winter moisture recharge played a decisive role, causing a difference in initial available water reserves: 103 mm in 2018 vs. 67 mm in 2020. Low initial moisture in 2020 reduced canopy cover by 30.6%, elevating canopy growth stress from 8% to 83%. Lower canopy cover shifted the water balance: plant transpiration fell 1.85-fold, while soil evaporation increased. Driven by stomatal and temperature stresses, dry aboveground biomass dropped by 47.6%, and dry grape yield fell by 46.8% at a stable harvest index. Water productivity decreased by 37.3%. Conclusions. Under rainfed conditions in the Northern Black Sea region, autumn-winter soil water recharge determines vineyard productivity. Initial moisture deficit limits canopy development as a primary adaptive response, driving non-productive water losses and cutting bioproductivity nearly in half.
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