Calibration and validation of four common ET0 estimation equations by lysimeter data in a semi-arid environment

In this study, four different methods for reference crop evapotranspiration (ET₀) were calibrated and validated for estimation of daily to mean monthly ET₀ by weighing lysimeter data during 2005–2006 and 2004–2005, respectively, in a semi-arid region. The value of the constant in the Hargreaves–Samani method changed from 0.0023 to 0.0026 for daily to mean monthly ET₀, and can be used in stations with only air temperature data. The constant of the aerodynamic resistance equation in the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith method (208.0) changed to 85.0. The value of coefficient a in the FAO-24-Radiation method was between ?0.5 and ?0.67. Further, the empirical equations were modified to estimate the value of b in the FAO-24-Radiation method and C in the FAO-24 corrected Penman method. The results showed that the modified FAO-56, corrected Penman–Monteith and FAO-24-Radiation methods are the most appropriate for estimating daily to mean monthly ET₀. Furthermore, the modified FAO-24 corrected Penman method was ranked in fourth place and its accuracy was lower than that of the other methods. However, it is appropriate for estimating mean monthly ET₀. Smoothing the daily data decreased the fluctuation in measured daily weather data and ET₀ measured by lysimeter, and consequently resulted in a higher accuracy in the estimation of daily ET₀.