The dew component of strawberry evapotranspiration

Abstract

The objectives of this lysimeter study were to 1) evaluate the amount of dewfall, 2) determine the contribution of dew to daily evapotranspiration (ET) in fall-grown strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.), and 3) determine the relationship between actual and potential ET (PET) of strawberry. Dewfall amounts averaged 0.8 mm · day-1 and accounted for 33% of the daily ET during the 27 Sept. to 6 Nov. period. Daily ET was linearly related to PET calculated from the Penman-Monteith equation, with an accuracy of ±3 mm based on lysimeter ET. Daily ET for 2- to 4-day periods was estimated with an accuracy of ±1 mm using the Penman-Monteith. We conclude that dewfall cannot be ignored in the ET of fall-grown strawberries in the mid-Atlantic section of the United States.