Performance of the HYDRUS-1D model for water balance components assessment of irrigated winter wheat under different water managements in semi-arid region of Morocco

The main goal of this research was to evaluate the potential HYDRUS-1D numerical model for estimating soil moisture (?) at different depths, actual crop evapotranspiration (ETa) and its components (crop transpiration, Ta evaporation, Ea) as well deep percolation (DP) irrigated winter wheat under water managements in semi-arid region Tensift-basin (central Morocco). simulations were performed daily time step during two growing seasons: 2002/2003 2015/2016. firstly calibrated based on one field “denoted F1” data cropping season by using Levenberg-Marquardt method implemented optimizing various parameters Van Genuchten equation that provide minimum difference between measured simulated four layers (0–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–50 cm). Afterwards, validation done from fields wheat: F2 F3” other F4 F5” 2015/2016 season. All with flooding system except F5 where drip irrigation undertaken. In-situ measurements ? carried out Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) gravimetric ETa Eddy Covariance Ea monitored a lysimeter field. results showed simulates ?, ETa, reasonably well. Additionally, evaluation DP losses investigated comparing simulation over flood (F4) (F5) fields. It found about 56% 20% seasonal supplied lost sites, respectively. Such unexpected high amount taking place is due improper use system.