solar radiation equations for estimating Evapotranspiration (ETo) in a humid tropical environment

What is it about?

Developing empirical solar radiation constants for locations in Southeast Nigeria which are inputs to estimating ETo

Featured Image

Photo by Jake Gard on Unsplash

Photo by Jake Gard on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Solar radiation data is scarce and not readily available in most weather stations. Furthermore, equipment for measuring solar radiation is expensive and requires skilled personnel. To overcome this challenge, researchers have developed empirical solar radiation models to estimate solar radiation. A drawback of this approach is that it is location-specific. Using use this equation in an environment different from where it was initially developed could lead to over or underestimates of solar radiation. Therefore, the need for calibration

Perspectives

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By calibration, we adjust the empirical constants using statistical process to match observed and simulated (from new empirical constants) solar radiation. Solar radiation (Rs) is an important input for estimating the reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo). By using the right input (solar radiation) together with other weather variables, accurate ETo estimate is achieved which is used for irrigation and water management.

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