The Evaluation of a Leaf-Water Potential Function for Corn

ABSTRACT AN attempt was made in 1978 to estimate leaf-water potential from soil and atmospheric parameters with a simplified, theoretically based model explaining water movement thru the soil-plant-atmosphere system. The soil water potential at a 30 cm depth and the vapor pressure deficit were used as variables. Predicted and observed values of leaf-water potential compare favorably. In 1979, when the validity of the model was tested, it held quite well over the range of data obtained. The ease of evaluation of this model makes it practical as a criterion for scheduling irrigation for the soil and climate of north central Missouri.