PRACTICAL 8
HEAT UNITS FOR CROP-ECOTOPE
MATCHING
Use the weather data provided to calculate the thermal time for COWPEA crop.
Use the base temperatures provided and predict the germination, emergence
and harvest dates (harvest being after 1350 degree days have accumulated).
Tabulate results. The planting can only occur after 1 October and after 25 mm
rain has been received. Use the Heat Units map to decide which areas in S.A.
your crop would be best suited for thermal time calculated.
SEE ASSESSMENT FORM FOR DETAILS REGARDING REQUIREMENTS FOR HANDING IN.
Species
Tb (oC)
TT
Germination
Emergence
Wheat
2.6
24
78
Peas
1.4
35
110
Lentils
1.4
30
90
Maize
9.8
20
61
Cowpea
11
20
43
The weather data is available in an EXCEL file (see BLACKBOARD)
Web page References
http://axp.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PHENOLOGY/com-bean.html
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/degreedays/
http://www.epa.gov/
http://www.energycap.com/weather/
http://axp.ipm.ucdavis.edu/WEATHER/ddretieve.html
http://axp.ipm.ucdavis.edu/WEATHER/wxretieve.html
http://axp.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/crops-agriculture.html
ASSESSMENT FOR HEAT UNITS PRAC
2012
Marking schedule
Supplied by student
First page – cover with student details +
objective of practical.
2nd page – headings and data for both
2008 and 2009.
3rd page – harvest date calculation.
4th page – Plant, germination, emergence
calculations.
5th page – Table : event, date, given TT,
calculated TT for plant, germination, etc.
plus conclusions.
TOTAL
Marks allocated
(1)
(2)
(2)
(6)
(15)
(4)
[30]