Application of a water balance model to estimating hay growth in the peace river region |
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| Authors: | CH Wallis TA Black O Hertzman VJ Walton |
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| Institution: | 1. Climatology Unit , B. C. Ministry of Environment , Victoria, B.C.;2. Department of Soil Science , University of British Columbia , Vancouver, B.C.;3. Dept. of Atmospheric Science , University of Washington , Seattle, Wash. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract A model that uses daily climate data for calculating hay crop growth in the Peace River region of British Columbia was developed and evaluated using data obtained over four growing seasons. The performances of the ratio of growth to transpiration and the ratio of growth to transpiration (J) divided by vapour pressure deficit (VPD) in estimating crop growth were compared. Transpiration was calculated by subtracting evaporation losses from the soil and foliage from the calculated evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration was calculated using solar radiation and air temperature, and a one‐layer root zone water balance model, which accounted for soil water supply limitation. Soil water storage measurements showed that the water balance model worked well. The model provided satisfactory estimates of growing season yield of above‐ground dry matter. The use of the ratio of growth toT/ vpd showed no improvement in growth estimation over the ratio of growth to transpiration. |
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