Small Lysimeters for Measurement of Water Use and Herbage Yield

Abstract

Small weighing lysimeters provide a useful tool for investigating simultaneously soil water use and plant productivity in annual grasslands. Details of construction, sensitivity and accuracy of weighing, and field and harvest techniques are given. PVC irrigation pipe is used for both the lysimeter and its sleeve-5 inch and 6 inch nominal diameter, respectively. Weight changes equivalent to .002 inch (.05 mm) can be detected, allowing diurnal water use to be determined if desired. Comparisons using shoot harvest and soil water use for Spring, 1971, show good agreement between the lysimeters and the field.