Simulating crop response to Nitrogen-deficiency stress using the critical Nitrogen concentration concept and the AquaCrop semi-quantitative approach

•AquaCrop semi-quantitative approach was evaluated to predict basil biomass under different nitrogen fertilizer application rates.•A direct simulation approach based on the critical nitrogen concentration concept was employed for basil growth simulation.•Application of a direct and plant-based methodology could provide better estimation of crop response to different levels of nitrogen fertilizer.