Aerodynamic method underestimates latent heat, impacting accurate energy balance.
The researchers compared two methods for measuring evapotranspiration over a wheat field in Arizona. One method, called the aerodynamic method, underestimated the amount of water vapor released by the plants. The other method, called the Bowen ratio method, was more accurate but more complex. A new model was created that combined different measurements to estimate the water vapor more accurately. This new method performed well during both wet and dry periods.