Estimation of Water Requirement for Rice Production Using Penman's Equation in Central Cross River State, Nigeria

This study estimates the water requirements for rice cultivation in Central Cross River State, Nigeria, using Penman's equation to derive reference evapotranspiration (ETo) based on climatic data spanning 42 years (1981–2022). The research focuses on Ikom Local Government Area, characterized by a humid tropical climate with bimodal rainfall patterns conducive to rice production. Climatic parameters, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and sunshine hours, were collected and processed to compute ETo and crop evapotranspiration (ETcrop) across different growth stages of rice. The findings indicate an average annual rainfall of approximately 2174.47 mm, with peak rainfall during July to October, aligning with the main rainy season. The estimated water requirements for rice ranged from [insert specific values], varying across crop stages, emphasizing the importance of tailored irrigation scheduling. The application of Penman's equation demonstrated its utility in providing localized water demand estimates, which are vital for optimizing water management and enhancing rice productivity under changing climatic conditions. This research offers critical insights for policymakers and farmers seeking sustainable water resource utilization, contributing to climate-resilient rice production strategies in Nigeria’s humid tropical regions.