The apples and oranges of reference and potential evapotranspiration: Implications for agroecosystem models

Abstract Although standardized evapotranspiration (ET) methods have been available for decades, they are commonly misunderstood, miscommunicated, and misused, especially within the agroecosystem modeling community. Some models misapply or misname standardized ET methods unbeknownst to users, and there is confusion in communication between applied ET practitioners and agroecosystem modelers. By highlighting some of these issues, we demonstrate and suggest the need for improved and consistent communication and application of standardized ET methodology.