Improved crop specific projections from the integration of in situ and remote sensing data in an agrometeorological model

Reports on research to adapt the 2/sup nd/ Generation Prairie Agrometeorological Model for wheat developed by Raddatz (1993) at Environment Canada to use both in situ data from a distributed network of meteorological stations (original mode) and NOAA AVHRR information output from the GeoComp-N processor at the Manitoba Remote Sensing Centre. Two parameters previously approximated by the model have been substituted with AVHRR derived information: fractional leaf area, and skin temperature. These parameters are critical for obtaining accurate outputs. Model outputs were ingested into a GIS to generate maps of crop growth stage expressed as biometeorological time, actual evapotranspiration or crop water-use, and top zone and root zone soil moisture for a test area in southern Manitoba for the year 2000 growing season.