How irrigators can estimate effective rainfall, and use that estimate to schedule irrigations properly. Effective rainfall estimates are also important for planning cropping sequences in both dryland and irrigationd crop production.
Effective rainfall is the amount of rainfall stored in the crop root zone.
Rainfall that runs off the soil surface or passes through the root zone does not contribute to crop growth and yield. There are two steps to estimating effective rainfall accurately. First, the total rainfall amount must be measured accurately. Second, the amount stored in the root zone must be determined. The location of the rain gauge is important for accurate rainfall recording.