Comparing hydrological frameworks for simulating crop biomass, water and nitrogen dynamics in a tile drained soybean-corn system: Cascade vs computational approach

Abstract Biophysical agricultural models are needed for assessing science-based mitigation options to improve the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural cropping systems. It is crucial that they can accurately simulate soil hydrology and nutrient flows which strongly influence crop growth, biogeochemical processes and water quality. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of the DeNitrification DeComposition model (DNDC), which utilizes simplified hydrologic processes, to a more comprehensive water flow model, the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2), to determine which processes are sufficient for simulating water and nitrogen dynamics and recommend improvements. Both models were calibrated and validated for simulating soil hydrology, nitrogen loss to tile drains and crop biomass using detailed observations from a corn (Zea mays L.) -soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) rotation in Iowa, with and without cover crops. DNDC performed adequately across a wide range of metrics in comparison to a more hydrologically complex model. Soybean and corn yield, and corn biomass over the growing season were well simulated by both models (NRMSE

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