Studying Photosynthesis and Evapotranspiration of Cotton Using Eddy Covariance

Ecosystem-level carbon and latent heat fluxes can be quantified with fast-response instruments using the eddy covariance method. This method has been widely used around the world for studying the energy exchange processes, carbon, and hydrological cycles of different ecosystems. A study was initiated in the Texas High Plains to understand the magnitudes of water and carbon fluxes for irirgated and dryland cotton. As part of this study, carbon dioxide and energy flux measurements were made from producer fields using eddy covariance method. Carbon fluxes were used to calculate the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and net primary production (NPP).  Latent heat fluxes were used to calcualte evapotranspiration.