The effect of water on pasture and crop yield is determined by many factors in the soil-plant-atmosphere system. Over recent years, Plant Physiology Division has been examining the system to better understand the principles to be applied in effectively managing pasture and crops under dryland and irrigation and to find criteria which could be used in breeding plants better adapted to dry conditions. The evapotranspiration of pastures and crops, the influence of pastures and crops on their water loss through leaf cover and stomatal behaviour, some of the consequences of water stress on leaf growth, as well as soil evaporation and drainage losses, are discussed.
