Laboratory Simulation Study for Modelling Bare Soil Evaporation from Different Soil Layers in Root Zone

V. K. Ingle; A. K. Mishra; D. K. Singh; V. Ramasubramanian

doi:10.52151/jae2013502.1513

Authors

V. K. Ingle Division of Agricultural Engineering, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi -110012 Author
A. K. Mishra Water Technology Centre, IARI, New Delhi. Author
D. K. Singh Water Technology Centre, IARI, New Delhi. Author
V. Ramasubramanian Agricultural Statistics, Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi -110012 Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52151/jae2013502.1513

Keywords:

Bare soil evaporation, meteorological parameters, multiple linear regression, water balance

Abstract

Bare soil evaporation (Es) is a predominant component of water balance during early growth stages of irrigated field crops, row crops with incomplete cover and in soils having shallow water table. Besides being a loss of precious water, it influences many other hydrologic and ecological processes. Laboratory simulation studies were conducted to characterize Es in two soil types, namely silty clay loam (SCL) and sandy loam (SL). Root zone water balance approach was used to estimate the Es. Results indicated that Es from top 0-15 cm soil depth in SCL soil varied from 2.0 to 3.0 mm.d-1 in the initial stage, which subsequently rose to 3.9 mm.d-1 in the drying stage. For SL soil, it varied from a minimum of 2.0 to a maximum of 3.8 mm.d-1 in 0-15 cm soil layer. Multiple linear regression models were developed to assess Es using the predominant meteorological parameters affecting the evaporation process. Validation with the field observations showed very close agreement with predicted results. The results of this study could be used in NCR region for the assessment of Es for similar soil types.

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