Association of Agrometeorologists

Comparison of different reference evapotranspiration (ET0 ) models and determination of crop-coefficients of french bean (Phesiolus vulgaris.) in mid hill region of Meghalaya

M. TAHASHILDAR, PRADIP K. BORA, LALA I. P. RAY and D. THAKURIA

The water requirement and crop evapotranspiration (ETc )is determined using reference evapotranspiration (ET0 ) and crop-coefficient (kc ). Numerous models are available for estimation of ET0 ,among which Penman-Monteith (FAO-56) model is considered to be the most accurate and universally acceptable. In present study eight models for estimation of ET0 viz. Modified Penman method, Hargreaves equation, Samani-Hargreaves equation, Thornthwaite equation, Solar radiation method, Net radiation method, Blaney-Criddle method and Radiation method were compared with Penman-Monteith model to find out the accuracy of prediction with limited weather parameters. Among these, Net radiation and Solar radiation models were found to yield relatively closer values. A field experiment was also conducted withfrench bean (Phesiolus vulgaris.) crop in UMS-GmbH cylindrical field lysimeter of 30 cm diameter and 120 cm deep for determination of crop coefficient taking Penman-Monteith FAO-56 model as the base model for ET0 estimation. The values of ETc as determined in field lysimeter varied from 3.80 mm-d-1 to 5.89 mm-d-1. The kc for initial, mid and maturity were found to be 0.45, 1.01 and 0.39, respectively.

Crop-coefficient, reference evapotranspiration, crop evapotranspiration, lysimeter, french bean (Phesiolus vulgaris.)