Radiation balance components were determined in a pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum, Leek) crop, in Eldorado do Sul, RS, at 30°05'27"S, 51°40'18"W and 40m of the altitude, during 1988/89 growing season. Daily energy losses by shortwave reflection were higher than the long wave radiation losses, with similar values around sunrise and sunset. The albedo shown dependence to the zenital angle of solar radiation, being lowest around the noon and highest early in the morning. Daily average albedo varied from 0,22 to 0,28, without consistent relation with leaf area index.
radiation balance; albedo; millet