Determination of maize evapotranspiration and plant coefficients by using lysimeter methods in Çukurova region

This research was carried out in Çukurova University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation between 28.04.2012 and 02.09.2012 in order to determine maize evapotranspiration and crop coefficients by using lysimeter method under Çukurova conditions. Dekalb 6589 maize variety was used in the study. The amount of irrigation water was calculated by using the cumulative evaporation values obtained with Class A pan and irrigation interval changed between was 7-8 days. The comparison of grass water consumption was estimated by using FAO approaches for obtaining plant coefficients. The cumulative actual evapotranspiration value of maize was determined as 618.2 mm by using the weighted lysimeter method and 488.8 mm by using the water budget method. Seasonal reference evapotranspiration value was estimated as 609.8 mm according to FAO-56 Penman Monteith (FAO-56 PM) method. The plant coefficient (kc) values were determined by using FAO-56 PM method as 0.26 for the beginning period, 1.49 for the plant development period and 0.23 for the end of the period. Grain yield of maize was found approximately 600 kg/da, 1000 grain weight was 291.6 g, highest leaf area index (LAI) value was 4.57, dry matter amount was 3154.86 g/m2 and harvest index (HI) value was 0.19.