A Practical and Simple Graphic Model to Appraise the Occurrence of Dry Spells in the Humid Tropics

Abstract

Data and observations from a site in the mountainous humid tropics of Puerto Rico show the occurrence of dry spells even during the wet seasons. It is postulated that dry spells of more than 3 to 5 days of duration might induce considerable moisture stress particularly on soils of low moisture retention capacity. The recognition of this fact and the use of rainfall data in conjunction with appropriate soil data can be of paramount importance in timing planting and other farming operations. A graphic model that is very simple and practical and can be prepared and interpreted easily by agriculturists is proposed to appraise the occurrence of dry spells.