Evapotranspiration
Evapotranspiration, abbreviated as ET, is the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere through two primary mechanisms:
Evaporation - The process where water is converted from liquid form on the surface (from soil, lakes, rivers) into water vapor.
Transpiration - The process by which water is absorbed by plant roots, moves through plants, and is then released as water vapor through small pores (stomata) in their leaves.
Together, evapotranspiration represents the total water loss from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere. Evaporation and transpiration occur simultaneously and both processes depend on solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity (vapor pressure deficit) and wind speed. Transpiration rate is also influenced by crop characteristics, environmental aspects and cultivation practices. Different kinds of plants may have different transpiration rates. Not only the type of crop, but also the crop development, environment and management should be considered when assessing transpiration.
Uses of Evapotranspiration
Evapotranspiration is used for understanding and managing water cycles and is used extensively in agriculture, hydrology, environmental science, and urban planning.
