Abstract for: A dynamic model for salinity and sodicity management on agricultural lands: interactive simulation approach

In this research, a dynamic simulation model, SAMIMI (Salinity Management with Interactive Model Interface) is developed to simulate soil salinization and sodification to test the long-term impact of alternative water management practices on soil degradation and crop yields in farmlands. SAMIMI model simulates the hydraulic flow, solute transport and crop yield response. The model implements the theoretical knowledge in soil physics and crop yield response to a management simulator adopting the system dynamic method. The reliability of the model outputs is confirmed through validation tests against the water flow and solute transport model Hydrus-1D and data from soil-column experiments conducted in our labs. The model interface offers capabilities for fast and long-term simulations for a large audience to experiment on the impact of agricultural water management on soil quality and crop yield response.