The Maas–Hoffman model is a mathematical tool to characterize the relation between crop production and soil salinity. It describes the crop response by a broken line of which the first part is horizontal and the second is sloping downward.[1] The breakpoint (Pb) or threshold is also called tolerance because up to that point the yield is unaffected by the salinity, so the salt is tolerated, while at greater salinity values the crops are affected negatively and the yield goes down.
Mathematics
Mathematically the two lines are represented by the equations:
Y = C [X < Pb]
Y = AX + B [X > Pb]
where Y = crop production or yield, C = maximum yield, X = soil salinity, A = slope (regression coefficient) of the descending line, and B = regression constant of that line.
In the example of the figure: C = 1.2, A = —0.10, Pb = 7.0
The value of Pb is to be found by regression analysis and optimization so that the goodness of fit of the data to the model is maximum.
The Maas–Hoffman model is used in crop tolerance to seawater.
Inverted Maas-Hoffman model for the relation between crop yield and depth of the watertable
Inverted model
For growth factors, like the depth of the watertable, that affect crop production negatively at low values while there is no effect at high values, the inverted Maas–Hoffman model can be used.
See also
Van Genuchten–Gupta model
References
Maas EV, Hoffman GJ, 1977. Crop salt tolerance-current assessment. Journal of the Irrigation and Drainage Division, American Society of Civil Engineers 103: 115-134.
Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics
Graduate Studies in Mathematics
Hellenica World - Scientific Library
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