Evaluation of the DRAINMOD Model’s Performance Using Different Time Steps in Evapotranspiration Computations

The DRAINMOD model is a superior tool used to predict the changes in farmland water balance under different agricultural drainage layouts, fields, weather conditions, and management practices. In present study, we assessed sensitivity of predictions time step (hourly or daily) daily evapotranspiration (ET₀) computations for 12-hectares located at lower reaches Yangtze River basin. was calibrated validated then applied twice two sets ET₀ values, computed using standardized ASCE Penman–Monteith (one hourly (HTS) other (DTS)). Regarding results show that abrupt diurnal always result significant differences between values when based on DTS HTS. simulations such affected model’s “water fate” study area; e.g., adopting HTS rather than resulted 4.8% increase, 3.1% 1% decrease models’ cumulative runoff, drainage, infiltration, respectively. Therefore, particular area, it critical pay attention deciding best ensure accurate simulations, thereby ensuring better utilization alongside high productivity.