In function of the leaf area index (LAI) during the period of rest of grass Tanzânia (Panicum maximum J.) and of the evaporation of the "Class A" pan (ECA) a multiplicate model was generated to determine the maximum evapotranspiration (ETm) of that forage cultivation. A correlation was adopted among ETm in function of the evaporation of the "Class A" pan and of the leaf area index (LAI) , through a multiple regression of the logarithmic values, corresponding to daily periods for 11 months (January to November of 2000). Considering the difficulty to determine LAI and to apply as variable in the proposed model, other model was created through the correlation between ETm and variable ECA and the equivalent value of LAI in days of rest (NDd), being adopted as pattern the number of 33 days as the recommended maximum number of days of rest for Tanzania pasture, in irrigated conditions. The models were tested using the ETm values observed on field conditions for four months (August-November-2000) through the method of water balance of the soil monitored with tensiometers. Statistical tests recommended in the literature were used for validation of the model, and it has been observed good fittings among the observed and proposed values, being recommended its use for the management of Capim Tanzania irrigation, at São Paulo State.
water balance; irrigation; grass
