Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · 1961 · 18 citations · 5 references
AgricultureAgronomySoil SciencesSoil ScienceSoil-water RelationsWater Balance StudiesCrop-water RelationsEvapotranspiration ChangesSoil MoistureSoil-water BalanceWater Balance ModelingWater ContentEvapotranspirationGravimetric MeasurementPlant Water BalancePotential EvapotranspirationRoot-zone Soil MoistureSoil Moisture ModelingSoil Water DeficitWater Deficit Modeling
Daily changes in soil moisture under snap beans were computed on a daily basis by the Thornthwaite equation, with various adjustments to account for decreasing water loss with increasing water deficit. These values are compared with data obtained by extensive gravimetric sampling. Statistical analysis indicates that when moisture tensions over the rooting zone are less than 1 atmosphere, actual evapotranspiration is essentially equal to potential evapotranspiration but that it falls sharply when tensions exceed this limit. The accuracy and practical feasibility of water balance computations on a short-term basis are emphasized.
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