Regulating field microclimate using sprinkler misting under hot-dry windy conditions

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of sprinkler misting (sprinkling water applied from 1(.)0 to 1(.)5 mm) on field micro-climate, canopy temperature and crop yield under hot-dry windy conditions in the North China Plain. Results indicated that canopy temperature in the sprinkled field depressed quickly after sprinkling stopped and was closely related to air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed. Within 50 - 60 min after sprinkling ceased, the canopy temperature in the sprinkled field approximately equalled that in the non-sprinkled field. Water surface evaporation measured using a standard 20 cm diameter pan placed above the top of the canopy was about 0.8 mm/day lower in the sprinkled field than in the non-sprinkled field. The yield of winter wheat observed in the sprinkled field was higher than in the non-sprinkled field by about 291 kg/ha. In conclusion, sprinkler misting (sprinkling about 1(.)0 - 1(.)5 min water amount for each event) is a useful method to timely improve field micro-climate and regulate canopy temperature under hot-dry windy conditions. (c) 2006 IAgrE. All rights reserved Published by Elsevier Ltd.