Modeling of Transpiration of Paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) Plants Based on Radiation and Leaf Area Index in Soilless Culture

• Published in: Horticulture, environment and biotechnology Vol. 52; no. 3; pp. 265 - 269
• Main Authors: Ta, The Hung, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Shin, J.H., Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Ahn, T.I., Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Son, J.E., Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea Korean Society for Horticulture and Science 01.06.2011; 한국원예학회
• Subjects: Agriculture; Biomedical and Life Sciences; CANOPY; COUVERT; CUBIERTA DE COPAS; FORECASTING; LAINE DE ROCHE; LANA MINERAL; Life Sciences; linear regression; Penman-Monteith equation; Plant Breeding/Biotechnology; Plant Ecology; Plant Physiology; Research Report; ROCKWOOL; TECHNIQUE DE PREVISION; TECNICAS DE PREDICCION; 농학; linear regression; prediction; canopy; Penman-Monteith equation; rockwool
• ISSN: 2211-3452; 2211-3460
• DOI: 10.1007/s13580-011-0216-3

Modeling of crop transpiration is important to manage the irrigation strategy in soilless culture. In this study, the transpiration of paprika plants (Capsicum annuum L.) grown in rockwool was analyzed considering the relationship between incident radiation (RAD) and leaf area index (LAI). Coefficients of the simplified Penman-Monteith formula were calibrated in order to calculate the transpiration rate of the crop (T∧r). Transpiration rate per floor area was measured by weighing plants with load cells. The following model was developed: T∧r = a [1 - exp(-k × LAI)] × RAD / λ + b for estimating transpiration of paprika. Determination coefficient for the linear regression between estimations and measurements of daily transpiration was 0.80 with a slope of 0.93. In validation, the model showed high agreement between estimated and measured values of daily transpiration. Radiation showed a great effect on transpiration of paprika plants. The results indicated the simplified Penman-Monteith formula could be used to predict water requirements and improve irrigation control in soilless culture. However the model coefficients require parameter adjustments for specific climate and crop conditions.