FAO MOSAICC crop specific water balance model (WABAL) and AQUACROP are both crop water balance models developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). However, they have some distinguishing features that set them apart. Here are some criteria to differentiate WABAL from AQUACROP:
1. Scope: WABAL is primarily designed for estimating crop water requirements and irrigation scheduling for a wide range of crops, including field crops, vegetables, and fruit trees. On the other hand, AQUACROP is specifically developed for simulating the water productivity and yield of field crops.
2. Input requirements: WABAL requires detailed input data such as crop coefficients, soil properties, weather data, and management practices. AQUACROP, on the other hand, has a simplified input structure and requires fewer parameters, making it more user-friendly and suitable for areas with limited data availability.
3. Modeling approach: WABAL uses a daily time step and calculates the crop water balance based on the Penman-Monteith equation, which requires detailed weather data. AQUACROP, on the other hand, uses a simpler approach with a 10-day time step and incorporates the FAO dual crop coefficient approach, which allows for a more simplified estimation of crop water requirements.
4. Outputs: WABAL provides outputs such as crop water requirements, irrigation scheduling, and water balance components (evapotranspiration, runoff, drainage). AQUACROP focuses on estimating crop yield, biomass production, and water productivity, in addition to water balance components.
5. Model complexity: WABAL is a more complex model that requires a higher level of technical expertise to operate and interpret the results. AQUACROP, on the other hand, is designed to be more user-friendly and accessible to a wider range of users, including farmers and extension workers.
In summary, while both WABAL and AQUACROP are crop water balance models developed by FAO, they differ in terms of their scope, input requirements, modeling approach, outputs, and complexity. These differences make them suitable for different applications and user groups.