Crop coefficient and water requirement for oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) on the nursery based on radiation evaporation method

Abstract

Water requirements of oil palm close to crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The objectives of this research were to known the value of crop coefficient for the age of oil palm 4, 5 and 6 month and predicted water requirements of oil palm based on net radiation evaporation method. The result showed the value of oil palm for 4, 5, and 6 months were 0.50, 0.52, and 0.54. The value of reference evaporation (net radiation, ETo) range 2.89-4.25 mm.day-1. Moreover, from predicted crop evapotranspiration showed that water requirements of oil palm range 1.44-3.70 mm.day-1. Water requirements increasing based on the age of oil palm, however, it will decrease in the rainy season.