Estimation of reference evapotranspiration for southern region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The reference crop evapotranspiration (ET_r) for four areas in Saudi Arabia was estimated using five different methods: FAO-Penman, Jensen-Haise, Blaney & Criddle, pan evaporation, and calibrated FAO-Penman under local conditions (Penman_-SA). Comparison was also made between the estimated ET_r and the measured ET_r of alfalfa grown in lysimeters in the Riyadh area. Regression analysis revealed that estimated ET_r values were highly correlated with measured ET_r values. In addition, linear regression relationships between ET_r values estimated by the Penman_-SA method and other methods were determined. The results of this study indicated that the calibrated Penman_-SA method can be transferred successfully to other locations, and this method could be used for the estimation of ET_r values in all areas in the southern region of Saudi Arabia.