The concept of matric flux potential applied to simulation of evaporation from soil.

Two simulation models of evaporation were based respectively on (a) soil matric flux potential and (b) soil hydraulic conductivity and water potential. Mathematical analysis showed that the former method gave a lower and more accurate estimate of soil water movement in unsaturated soil, and therefore of evaporation from the soil. The difference between the accuracy of the two methods tended to be greatest in soils of coarse texture. The matric flux potential method required less computer time than the other method did. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)