Field water balance and SWB parameter determination of six winter vegetable species

Abstract

Mechanistic, user-friendly crop growth models are useful and accurate tools for irrigation scheduling. They require, however, specific crop growth input parameters which are not readily available for all crops and conditions. Six irrigated vegetable species (onions, cabbage, carrots, beetroot, lettuce and swisschard) were grown in a field trial at Roodeplaat (Gauteng, South Africa) during the 1996 dry winter season. The objective was to determine specific crop growth parameters required by the SWB (Soil-Water Balance) irrigation scheduling, generic crop growth model. Weather data were recorded with an automatic weather station, phenological stages monitored and growth analyses carried out fortnightly. Fractional interception of radiation was measured weekly with a sunfleck ceptometer as was soil water with a neutron water meter.

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