Greenhouse crop transpiration model from external climate conditions

A new and simple greenhouse crop transpiration model enabling predictions from outdoor conditions is presented and the parameters involved are discussed with respect to different types of greenhouse-crop systems. This transpiration model was validated against experimental data measured in a tomato crop cultivation in Avignon in (i) warm conditions and (ii) cold conditions when the greenhouse air was confined. The model estimation improved from cold to warm conditions. Comparisons with previous transpiration models have shown a deterioration of the transpiration model performances when greenhouse air was confined. However, model performance was satisfactory when, as is often the case in Mediterranean countries, the greenhouse air was closely coupled to outdoor conditions.