Although yields were maximized with N application rates up to 250 kg −1 in most soils and varieties, maximum gross margin and maximum water use efficiency (WUE) were attained at lower N rates, associated with a small yield reduction compared to the maximum. Varietal selection and nitrogen (N) fertilization were the most important factors contributing to yield gap closure. We set up a factorial simulation experiment combining Genetic x Environment x Management factors that influence crop yield and water use at field scale to simulate yield and water balance components under current and future climate scenarios (pessimistic scenario for mid-century). After calibrating and validating the Agricultural Production System Simulator (APSIM) using experimental data, we explored and prioritized promising intensification options for rainfed maize and wheat that enable to narrow prevailing yield gaps in the CRV, and quantified trade-offs with the water balance and gross margins. In order to simulate wheat-faba bean intercrops better, APSIM should be improved regarding the calculation of biomass partitioning to grains in faba bean and of height growth in both species.In the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia (CRV), actual productivity of most cereals is less than 3 t ha −1 associated with low input use and poor crop management. APSIM was reasonably capable of simulating plant heights in pure cultures, but respectively overestimated and underestimated the height of faba bean and wheat in intercrops. In intercrops, APSIM systematically overestimated the aboveground dry matter and grain yield of faba bean and underestimated those of wheat. APSIM successfully reproduced aboveground dry matters and, for wheat only, grain yields in pure cultures. We calibrated the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) for pure cultures of wheat and faba bean using data from Dutch field trials, and determined the phenological parameters to simulate pure cultures and intercrops from seven field experiments across Europe. However, currently no existing crop growth model has been calibrated and tested for cereal-legume intercrops throughout Europea. Crop growth models can facilitate the understanding and prediction of the interactions between plant traits, crop configuration and management. Designing intercropping systems requires the integration of plant species trait selection with choice of crop configuration and management. Cereal-legume intercropping can increase yields, reduce fertilizer input and improve soil quality compared with pure culture.
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