In conjunction with the Free-Air-CO2-Enrichment (FACE) project, a new,
physiologically based, mechanistic, modular simulation model of cotto
n (Gossypium hirsutum L.) physiology, growth, development, yield and w
ater use has been constructed. It is named COTCO2 for cotton response
to atmospheric CO2 concentration. The model is capable of predicting c
otton crop responses to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations and po
tential concomitant changing climate variables. The major plant proces
ses known to be influenced by CO2 are simulated explicitly, i.e. photo
synthesis, photorespiration, and stomatal conductance, and its role in
leaf energy balance. The model explicitly simulates the impact of atm
ospheric CO2 concentration on C3 photosynthesis and photorespiration a
t the level of carboxylation and oxygenation. Growth is simulated for
individual organs, i.e. leaf blade, stem segment, taproot and lateral
roots, and fruit which includes squares and bolls. Potential growth is
calculated and the carbohydrate and nitrogen required to meet this po
tential are calculated. Actual growth is based on substrate availabili
ty, the potential growth, and water stress. Our intent here is to desc
ribe the overall structure of the model, its present status, and futur
e development plans. Further development, documentation, calibration,
and validation of the model is in progress. The long range goal of the
project is to provide quantitative estimates of global cotton product
ion in a future higher-CO2 world.