Modeling the plant-soil-atmosphere system serves as a support for field research as well as for efficient and sustainable use of water, nutrients and pesticides in the productive system. This study aimed to implement a mechanistic model for simulating the growth and development of corn (Zea mays L.) and to test it by using data from a lysimeter experiment. The model was tested by using the data obtained from an experiment carried out in the experimental area belonging to the Agricultural Engineering Department/UFV. The Agromen 2012 hybrid maize was sown in drainage lysimeters and the crop conducted to reach its potential yield. Determinations of the leaf area, leaf senescence and the dry matter of the organs of the plant were accomplished during the development cycle. When the senescence of the leaves was considered, the model estimated the values of area index appropriately during the whole cycle of the crop, and estimated the dry matter accumulation in the leaves, stem and roots during the vegetative stage. In spite of not estimating well the variation in the dry matter accumulation in the grains, the final estimated value of grain dry matter was only 9.8% higher than the observed.
photosynthesis; carbohydrate; dry matter; Zea mays L
