(Application of The Bowen Ratio)

Water Management

Screen™ Duo reflects harmful UV, IR, and excess visible light that results in higher leaf and canopy temperatures. Cooler crops use less water for transpiration. An application of Screen™ Duo can reduce potential water use up to 40%. Plant physiologists use the formula to the left to estimate crop water usage.
The Bowen Ratio is based upon the difference in temperature and humidity between the leaf and the air. As temperature drops, the number increases.
Screen™ Duo can reduce net radiation by 25-30%, and leaf temperatures by up to 8ºC. This predicts a reduction in net water use of 35-40%.

How much water will I save?

Particle film technology has been suggested as a tool to reduce crop water use. This is because kaolin-based films can reduce leaf temperature, and therefore transpiration. Various university studies have demonstrated a more favorable leaf water status in particle film-treated plants, compared with untreated. This always raises the question about how much water can a grower save.
Trials conducted in citrus, wine grapes, and apple in Australia during 2007-8 season provide an answer. Treated crops draw less water from the soil, so that measured values of water content is increased by 3 to 6.5 percent. Depending upon soil type and wind conditions, this could mean savings of up to 25 percent of water used.