FAO56baserte

The term "FAO56baserte" refers to a methodology for calculating water availability and water resources management that is based on the standards established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in its 1996 publication, *Aquastat: Water Resources Information System*. Specifically, it pertains to the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) model, a widely adopted approach for estimating crop water requirements and irrigation needs.

The FAO-56 method integrates meteorological data, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and atmospheric pressure, to compute potential evapotranspiration—a key indicator of water demand for agricultural systems. This model is considered more accurate than earlier methods because it accounts for physical processes governing water loss from plant canopies and soil surfaces. By providing standardized calculations, the FAO-56 approach facilitates comparisons across regions and improves water resource planning.

The methodology is foundational in irrigation scheduling, drought assessment, and water policy development. It is particularly valuable in arid and semi-arid regions where water scarcity is a critical constraint. The FAO-56 model has been incorporated into global databases and decision-support tools, enabling stakeholders to assess water availability and optimize irrigation practices for sustainable agriculture.

While widely adopted, the FAO-56 method requires precise meteorological data and assumes idealized conditions, such as fully vegetated surfaces. Variations in land cover, soil properties, and management practices may necessitate adjustments. Nevertheless, it remains a cornerstone in water resource management due to its scientific rigor and practical applicability.