Performance evaluation of the water balance simulation model ISAREG

Abstract

The ISAREG model simulates the soil water balance. The performance of the model was evaluate in the condi ons of the Planalto Medio Region, in Rio Grande do Sul State (Brazil). Comparisons among soil water contents es mated by the water balance of the soil plant atmosphere system and observed data from tensiometers were performed, in order to validate the model for the Region. A perennial grass was used as reference crop for tes ng the model, while the soils and meteorological parameters were collected at the Embrapa Trigo Center, in Passo Fundo, RS (Brazil). The results showed a high poten al adherence among simulated and observed data, so indica ng an adequate performance of the model in those condi ons. According the sta s cal indicators obtained from regression analyses, the performance of the ISAREG model was considered as very good and it can be used for the water balance of the “Planalto Medio” Region (RS).