The EPIC Crop Growth Model

ABSTRACT The EPIC plant growth model was developed to estimate soil productivity as affected by erosion throughout the U.S. Since soil productivity is expressed in terms of crop yield, the model must be capable of simulating crop yields realistically for soils with a wide range of erosion damage. Also, simulation of many crops is required because of the wide variety grown in the U.S. EPIC simulates all crops with one crop growth model using unique parameter values for each crop. The processes simualted include leaf interception of solar radiation; conversion to biomass; division of biomass into roots, above ground mass, and economic yield; root growth; water use; and nutrient uptake. The model has been tested throughout the U.S. and in several foreign countries.