Blaney-Criddle Coefficients for Western Turf Grasses

Abstract

Evapotranspiration rates were measured for several turf grasses in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Wyoming. These data were used to calibrate the Blaney-Criddle method for estimating evapotranspiration rates. Warm-season grasses used less water than did cool-season grasses when grown in warm climates. However, Kentucky bluegrass did exhibit heat stress that reduced its evapotranspiration rates below what would be expected when soil temperatures exceed 25/DEG C. The data were collected in urban areas and should be representative of city-wide water requirements for turfed areas.