Under pasture, evapotranspiration is the water loss from the soil, and water bodies and the transpiration from pasture into the atmosphere. The difference between how much moisture the atmosphere could absorb and how much it can currently absorb is known as the potential Evaporation deficit (PED). PED is affected by temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind. When PED is high pasture stress will occur.

The dataset - What is it?

The data set shows maps of PED in New Zealand for mid and late this century under different climate change scenarios. The climate change scenarios are represented by different Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). RCPs are different amounts of greenhouse gas concentrations, from a low of 2.6 to 8.5. As the century progresses and RCP increases the PED increases.

Why it's important

New Zealand faces land management adjustments due to natural processes and climate change. When the natural weather processes are at their peak, combined with climate change, drought will become more extreme and frequent. Within New Zealand, the effects of PED on pasture stress, animal welfare, and productivity will vary from place to place.

If your whenua is in an area with a deficit it means you may need to consider water storage or irrigation to reduce water stress on your plants.