RelaciÓn entre los componentes del balance de energía y la resistencia estomàtica en el cultivo de melÓn bajo acolchado plàstico

This study analyzes the relationship between the changes in the energy balance components and the muskmelon stomatal resistance under plastic mulch conditions. This experiment was conducted in a muskmelon crop with and without plastic mulch, from April to July, 1998. To measure the energy balance components (net radiation (Rn), latent heat flux LE, sensible heat flux H and surface soil flux G). Eddy covariance stations were used; one was located in the plastic mulch section and the other in the section with no plastic mulch. Each station consisted of fast response krypton hygrometer, a one dimensional sonic anemometer and a fine wire thermocouple. The stations also have a net radiometer, 2 soil heat flux plates and two soil thermocouples of 4 parallel ends. The station in the plastic mulch section also had measurements of wind speed and direction. The stations gave average 20-min values of Rn, LE, H and G. The stomatal resistance was measured by using two diffusion porometers. The measurements were taken once every 8 days in 2 leaves/plants of 4 plants per section (with and without plastic mulch). Theses measurements were taken from 13:00 to 14:00 hrs. The results of this study indicated that the stomatal resistance, the apparent temperature of the surface, and the canopy temperatures were higher under plastic mulch. The energy components, net radiation, latent heat flux and sensible heat flux were also higher under plastic mulch. The plastic mulch induced a precocity to the crop, with an early harvest.