Abstract

The surface renewal method (SR) allows estimating the sensible heat flux (H) using high-frequency thermocouples. Traditionally, SR has been compared and calibrated using standard instruments such as the Eddy covariance system (EC). Calibration involves correcting H measured with SR (H'(SR)) by means of the calibration factor (alpha). However, several studies show that alpha is not constant and could depend on canopy architecture, measurement height, atmospheric stability, and weather conditions. In avocado orchards, there is not enough information about energy fluxes and the application of the SR method. Therefore, the objective of this study is to calibrate the SR method in a mature avocado orchard considering the effect of meteorological conditions on the determination of alpha. The components of the surface energy balance were measured using an EC system in a commercial avocado orchard (cv. Hass) located in the Aconcagua Valley, Valparaiso Region, Chile. To evaluate the effect of the meteorological conditions on the determination of alpha, the dataset was classified into nine categories based on solar radiation and wind intensity. The results show that alpha varies according to meteorological conditions, with significant differences for cloudy days. The use of the variable alpha reduced the error in estimating H, so, this methodology can be used to have a more precise approximation of the energy balance and therefore to the water requirements.