Evaluation of reference evapotranspiration models using single crop coefficient method and lysimeter data

Abstract

The field experiment of lysimeter set-up was conducted at Solan, Himachal Pradesh on Pea (Pisum sativum) to determine the water requirement, single crop coefficient of pea using a lysimeter. Six reference evapotranspiration models were used to compute reference evapotranspiration and compared with actual crop evapotranspiration for different crop growth stages. Results showed that Penman Montieth crop evapotranspiration model gives the closest agreement with the corresponding values obtained in field as a result of water balance study with R2, SEE and ARE; 0.97, 9.5 and 11.6, respectively. The results emphasized the utility of lysimeter for ecohydrological crop evapotranspitaion model at sub- temperate, sub-humid regions.