Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1 Researcher, Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (AERI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Irrigation and Reclamation Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
3 Urmia Lake Research Program, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Agricultural greenhouse systems are widely used in areas with adverse climatic conditions. Accurate estimation of evapotranspiration in greenhouses is of great importance for optimal use of water resources and accurate irrigation planning operations that lead to improved water use efficiency. Several empirical and physical-based mathematical models are widely used to estimate evapotranspiration rates based on weather and climate data. Several evapotranspiration models exist, but their accuracy varies due to differences in the assumptions in their formulation and application conditions. Therefore, the appropriate selection of an evapotranspiration model is essential to ensure accurate estimation of crop water requirements under greenhouse conditions. In this review, the relationship between greenhouse technology and reference evapotranspiration estimation models (ETo) or crop evapotranspiration estimation models (ETc) and how the knowledge and methods available in ETo or ETc measurements can actually increase the sustainability of greenhouse agriculture are analyzed. The greenhouse classification, commonly used equipment, and data collected for ETo and ETc measurements are reviewed in this study. Overall, this review aims to evaluate and summarize the currently available ETo and ETc models used in different greenhouse categories. The accuracy level of the most commonly used ETo and ETc estimation models was assessed. The results showed that the FAO 56 Penman-Monteith equation performed best among all models and can be considered as the best method for estimating ETo in low-tech plastic greenhouses that are widely used. If greenhouse ETc models become more user-friendly and accessible, the likelihood or chance of rapid dissemination and adoption of advances in
Keywords
Main Subjects
)
Send comment about this article