Simulated yields of corn from the SALTMED model were compared with experimentally measured yields obtained fro the experiment, in which irrigation water with electrical conductivities (ECs) of 0.5, 3.0, 6.0, 9.0 and 12.0 dS/m and irrigation intervals 7 day was used. The simulated and observed corn grain yields were significantly different in all treatments except the treatment irrigated with fresh water. The simulated and observed yield values for the treatment irrigated with fresh water were in close agreement. The model predicted a yield value of 9.5 t/ha while the observed yield was 8.89 t/ha. The model predicted lower yields as thes salinity level of irrigation water increased.
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In conclusion, the agreement between the simulated and measured results on crop yield and soil salinity values strongly suggest that the model should be calibrated for field crops under the Mediterranean climatic conditions. Reliable input data, however, are also required.
