Biophysics of a natural grassland: evaporation.
Abstract
Microclimatic measurements and flux determinations were made on natural grassland at the Matador project site in Saskatchewan, dominated by Agropyron spp. and Koeleria cristata, during 2 growing seasons. The calculated evaporation fluxes were analysed in terms of the potential evaporation, soil m.c. and plant water potential. The analysis fitted Monteith's canopy-resistance concept. The fraction of net radiation involved in evaporation was closely correlated with green LAI during the first half of the growing season, and with soil water content (0-30 cm) during the latter half of the growing season. Seasonal water-use estimates, by micrometeorological and soil moisture balance approaches, agreed to within 10%.