Estimating Turfgrass Water Use with AZMET

Abstract

The Arizona Meteorological Network provides weather-based estimates of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) for much of southern, central and western Arizona. A simple 3-step procedure to convert ETo data into reliable estimates of turfgrass water use is described The procedure requires that AZMET ETo values be multiplied by a correction factor known as a crop coefficient (Kc). The selection of the Kc depends on the type and height of the turfgrass as well as desired turf quality. The procedure is well adapted for use on computers.