Influence of vineyard row orientation on evapotranspiration estimates from a satellite-based two-source energy balance model

Understanding and quantifying the influence of row orientation on crop water consumption is necessary to inform the design of sustainable field architectures and irrigation schedules, which is particularly beneficial for high-value-crop farms located in water-limited regions, such as California vineyards. Although some scientific literature addresses this for typical row orientations (i.e., North-South and East-West), Southwest-Northeast (SWNE) and Northwest-Southeast (NWSE) row orientations remain largely unaccounted for. In this study, Two-Source Energy Balance (TSEB) model simulations are performed during 2021 and 2022 to quantify the differences in satellite-based evapotranspiration (ET) between vineyard blocks oriented SWNE and NWSE. Simulated daily ET is similar during the vine dormant seasons, but consistently higher for SWNE blocks during the growing season, with average differences of 1.2 ± 0.36 mm day −1 in 2021 and 1.5 ± 0.55 mm day −1 in 2022. Long-term averages of eddy covariance fluxes confirm the simulated ET separation during the growing season, but day-to-day values suggest smaller differences compared to TSEB. Landsat-based Leaf Area Index (LAI), land surface temperature (LST) and albedo inputs forcing TSEB also show separation. A sensitivity analysis suggests that TSEB is highly responsive to LST and albedo, showing high correlations (r 2 = 0.88 and r 2 = 0.86, respectively) with modelled ET differences. Two radiative transfer models indicate greater canopy radiation interception and shadowing in SWNE vineyards, which are likely captured by the satellite-based TSEB inputs. The results of this study add to the comprehensive understanding of row geometry influence on vineyard water demands needed to optimize agricultural applications of ET models. • Two-Source Energy Balance model ET is different in Southwest-Northeast and Northwest-Southeast vineyards. • Simulated ET is 1.32 mm day −1 higher in Southwest-Northeast vineyards on average. • Eddy covariance fluxes confirm simulated ET differences but suggest model overestimation. • Modelled radiation interception is up to 15 % higher in Southwest-Northeast vines. • The Two-Source Energy Balance model is sensitive to satellite-based inputs likely capturing row shadow differences.