What is potential evapotranspiration?

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is the amount of evapotranspiration or evaporation that can occur when enough water is present in the soil, water or plant source. The actual amount of evapotrasipiration is limited by the source of water and is used for water management in agriculture, construction and drainage studies. This amount can be estimated by means of equations.

Evapotranspiration concerns the evaporation and transpiration that occurs. The potential concerns the total amount of evaporation that could occur if enough water is available. In many cases, water is not available and irrigation is necessary. The calculation of potential evapotranspiration ensures that the necessary amount of water is used for irrigation methods.

PET estimates can be calculated in three ways. The first equation, Thornthwaite equations, was developed in 1948. The Penman equation was also developed in 1948.two. This is a standard method used by UN organization for food and agriculture (FAO). The soil and water evaluation tool (SWAT) and the ASCE Association (ASCE) use this equation as a standard method, albeit with one or two changes.

In order to properly estimate potential evapotranspiration, certain factors are required. Sunlight, wind speed, daily average temperature and relative humidity are required to complete the calculation. These factors may change daily, which means that potential changes in evapotranspiration every time the factor moves.

This calculation is not accurate because the type of crop changes the necessary water. Each plant contains a dentist that works differently. Stomata is a pore on the surface of the leaf that releases water and oxygen into the atmosphere. Resistance to stomatics or the ability of water vapor to pass through a leaf is an unknown factor of estimating a pet.

SentencesThe shine of current research examines the influence of plants on potential evapotranspiration. It is possible that to achieve a more realistic estimate, it will be necessary to add different plant factors to the Penman-Monteith equation. This variation is the reason why PET rarely used in agricultural reports. In addition to irrigation estimates, potential evapotranspiration is also used to determine the type of drainage needed in the fields. In the construction of roads, buildings and structures, PET is commonly used to determine how these structures will affect the environment. Any industry or action that requires water management can use PET.