SOME COMPARATIVE RESULTS ON EVAPOTRANSPIRATION OF GREENHOUSE ORNAMENTAL CROPS, USING LYSIMETER, GREENHOUSE H₂O BALANCE AND LVDT SENSORS

Evapotranspiration estimations of several greenhouse ornamental crops (Pelargonium, Gardenia, Schefflera…) have been performed, using different methods:

1. direct estimations, from measurements with weighing lysimeters supporting a given number of pot plants.

2. indirect estimations, from measurements of net radiation, crop surface temperature and water vapour deficit.

Evapotranspiration models have been derived using the Penman-Monteith equation, with estimation of a global crop resistance to water vapour transfer.
A global greenhouse water balance has also been tested, by mean of estimations of the greenhouse air exchange rate.

Simultaneous measurements of stem diameter, with displacement sensors, have been performed.
The usefulness of these measurements for irrigation management of greenhouse ornamental crops is analyzed, to the light of the evapotranspiration measurements and/or estimations given by the models.

I International Workshop on Sensors in Horticulture

M. Baille, J.C. Laury, A. Baille

model, water status, pot plant

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1992.304.22