The influence of early sowing of wheat and lupin crops on evapotranspiration and evaporation from the soil surface in a Mediterranean climate

The losses of water by evapotranspiration and evaporation from soil were investigated during two seasons from wheat and lupin crops sown at two times. Evapotranspiration was measured using ventilated chambers and microlysimeters were used within the chambers to measure evaporation from the soil surface. These techniques allowed the partitioning of evapotranspiration into its two components. In the early part of the season, evaporation from the soil surface was greatest beneath late-sown crops. Larger canopies, associated with early sowing, reduced evaporation during the energy-dependent first stage. The greater losses beneath late-sown crops were not sustained as surface soil water contents declined, decreasing the influence of canopy area on evaporation. Early sowing may increase evapotranspiration early in the season and thereby decrease the risk of drainage losses contributing to groundwater recharge. However, the magnitude of the hydrological advantages from early sowing is likely to vary each year according to seasonal climatic conditions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.