Simulation models are important tools for the analysis of cultivated systems to estimate the performance of crops in different environments. The CROPGRO- model (DSSAT) was calibrated and validated using Carioca bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to estimate yield and the development of the crop, sown in three row spacings (0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 m) and two fertilization rates (300 and 500 kg ha-1 of 4-30-16 N-P-K), in Santo Antônio de Goiás, GO, Brazil. To calibrate the model a combination of the genetic coefficients that characterize the phenology and morphology of the dry bean crop was used to obtain the best possible fit between predicted and observed anthesis and physiological maturity dates, leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), yield components, and grain yield for the 0.6 m row spacing. To test the model the experimental records of the 0.4 and 0.5 m row spacings were used. In both, calibration and test, the performance of the model was evaluated plotting observed and predicted values of LAI and TDM versus time, using the r², and the agreement index (d) as statistical criteria. In relation to yield and yield components the percent difference between the observed and predicted data was calculated. The model appeared to be adequate to simulate phenology, grain yield and yield components for the Carioca bean cultivar, related to different levels of fertilization and row spacing, either during calibration or the testing phase. During the test, the grain yield was overestimated by less than 15.4%, indicating a potential use for the calibrated model in assessing climatic risks in this region.
DSSAT; dry bean; simulation
