Development of RZ-SHAW for simulating plastic mulch effects on soil water, soil temperature, and surface energy balance in a maize field

A shortcoming of the RZ-SHAW model (A hybrid version of Root Zone Water Quality Model and The Simultaneous Heat and Water Model) is that it cannot simulate the plastic mulching technology which is widely used in arid areas. Our objectives in this study were to develop RZ-SHAW to include a new plastic module, and to evaluate the model’s performance over three years of maize (Zea mays L.) production in China. A new plastic module was added to compute changes in the shortwave and longwave radiation transfer, turbulent heat and vapor transfer from the surface, and the energy and water balances in the system associated with a plastic mulch layer. The modified RZ-SHAW model can adequately simulate soil water (0.017 cm3 cm−3 ≤ RMSE ≤ 0.030 cm3 cm−3) and capture the evaporation reduction and transpiration increase under plastic mulch. The model overestimated the increased soil temperatures under plastic mulch (2.3 ℃ over the 100-cm profile) compared to the measured data (1.4 ℃). Overall, the revised RZ-SHAW model adequately simulated soil water and heat exchange under plastic mulch conditions. The modified RZ-SHAW model can be used as an effective decision tool for management optimization in plastic mulched cropland.