Common bean evapotranspiration estimated by orbital images

Abstract

Evapotranspiration quantification is essential for water management in irrigated crops because it represents the crop water demand, and knowledge prevents water and energy waste, besides productivity breaks. This study aimed to estimate common bean actual evapotranspiration through orbital images, using the simple algorithm for evapotranspiration retrieving (SAFER) algorithm. In order to achieve this, actual evapotranspiration (ET) and crop coefficient (Kc) were estimated in a bean crop (BRS style) irrigated by center pivot at Distrito Federal (PAD/DF), Brazil. ETa was determined by SAFER energy balance model, using images from Landsat 8 (OLI/TIRS) and climatic variables. Evapotranspiration reference was also determined by Penman-Monteith method (FAO56). Assessments were conducted on five periods during crop development stages, coinciding with the passage of the satellite in orbit 221/71 (06/30; 07/16; 08/01; 08/17 and 09/02/2014). ET values equal to 1.69, 2.52, 3.21, 3.58 and 2.63 mm day-1 were found for 06/30, 07/16, 08/01, 08/17 and 09/02/2014 periods. ETa values obtained by the SAFER model were on average 4.19% lower than the estimated values from FAO-56 default method. Satellite images and SAFER algorithm use is recommended to estimate bean crops ET.