1. What is Potential Evapotranspiration of Cotton?

Potential Evapotranspiration of Cotton is the potential evaporation from soils plus transpiration by cotton plants. It represents the maximum amount of water that would be evaporated and transpired if there were sufficient water available.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( ET \) — Potential Evapotranspiration of Crop (m/s)
• \( ETo \) — Reference Crop Evapotranspiration (m/s)

Explanation: The formula applies a crop coefficient of 0.90 to the reference evapotranspiration to estimate the specific water requirements for cotton crops.

3. Importance of ET Calculation

Details: Accurate ET calculation is crucial for irrigation scheduling, water resource management, and optimizing crop yield in cotton farming operations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the reference crop evapotranspiration value in meters per second. The value must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use a coefficient of 0.90 for cotton?
A: The 0.90 coefficient is based on research showing cotton's specific water requirements relative to the reference crop evapotranspiration.

Q2: What factors affect cotton's evapotranspiration rate?
A: Climate conditions, growth stage, soil moisture, and plant density all influence cotton's actual evapotranspiration rates.

Q3: How often should ET calculations be performed?
A: Regular calculations throughout the growing season are recommended as crop water requirements change with growth stages.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This provides an estimate; actual field conditions, soil type, and specific cultivar characteristics may require adjustments.

Q5: How is this used in irrigation planning?
A: ET calculations help determine irrigation amounts and timing to meet crop water requirements while conserving water resources.