CCROP—Simulation model for container-grown nursery plant production

Container Crop Resource Optimization Program (CCROP) is an integrative model which simulates the growth and water and nutrient requirements of a woody ornamental shrub grown in small (2.8–11.4 L) containers in a field environment with overhead sprinkler irrigation. The model was developed for producers, producer advisers and researchers to support best management practice decision-making in container nursery production. We describe the primary processes simulated by CCROP particularly how they differ from traditional crops grown in-ground and assess the ability of CCROP to simulate measured values for a range of irrigation and fertilizer trials and transplanting dates. Results of model testing with 11 trials indicate that CCROP provided reasonable outcomes for biomass and leaf area growth as well as evapotranspiration, runoff (container drainage plus un-intercepted irrigation and rainfall) and nitrogen loss.

► CCROP can be used to predict growth, water requirement, and nitrogen uptake of container-grown nursery plants over a range of environmental conditions. ► CCROP simulated the observed effects that management factors such as irrigation and fertilization had on plant growth, runoff and N leaching in experimental trials. ► Through its ability to simulate evapotranspiration, CCROP can be used to schedule irrigation to minimize water use and N leaching.