Monthly, Seasonal and Annual Spatial and Temporal Variability of Reference (Potential) Evapotranspiration Across Nebraska

Reference (potential) evapotranspiration is often used as one approach to quantify crop water requirements. ETref can have substantial spatial and temporal distribution due to differences and changes in terrain climatic and microclimatic characteristics as well as elevation across Nebraska. It is important to quantify/monitor the changes in ETref over time for all locations in a given state so that accurate water resources management decisions specific for each location can be developed and implemented to meet crop water demands under changing climatic conditions. This Extension Circular quantified and mapped monthly, seasonal (typical growing season: May 1 to September 30), and annual ETref across Nebraska from 1986 to 2012.