Effect of local advection on evaporation rate and plant water status

Abstract

The effects of local advection on the evaporation rate (E) and the relative turgidity (RT) of Ladino clover grown in lysimeters were measured at four distances down wind from the leading edge of a small irrigated field adjoining a drier area.

Both E and RT decreased with increasing distance down wind from the leading edge, and were directly proportional to powers of the down-wind dimension (x). Presumably plant growth rate may also depend on the distance down wind.

Plants near the leading edge showed early afternoon wilt during a mild day in autumn, although soil moisture content was very high. This is in keeping with the concept of a "ceiling absorption rate".

Some agronomic implications of these advective effects are discussed.