23.3.4. Empirical Formulas and Crop Coefficients

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does AET stand for?

   Hint

   Look for the terms in the glossary.

2. 2.

   What is the FAO Penman-Monteith equation used for?

   Hint

   Think about the maximum water that can be used from plants.

3. 3.

   What is AET primarily used for?

   • Estimating field yields
   • Calculating water resources
   • Understanding soil content

   Hint

   Think about the role of water in agriculture.

4. 4.

   True or False: A crop coefficient remains constant throughout the crop's growing period.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall how plants grow over time.

5. 5.

   A researcher needs to calculate AET for wheat, which has a K_c of 1.1 during peak growth. If PET is measured at 75 mm, what is the AET? Discuss how different K_c might alter this result.

   Hint

   Remember to apply the formula.

6. 6.

   If the climate shifts and increases temperature by 5°C, hypothesize how this might impact AET and crop yield. Provide a detailed explanation.

   Hint

   Consider the effects of heat on both water use and plant health.