In situ measurements of tritium evapotranspiration (3H-ET) flux over grass and soil using the gradient and eddy covariance experimental methods and the FAO-56 model

• Measurements of tritium in air.
• Estimation of evapotranspiration flux of tritium by grass.
• Eddy covariance method.
• Gradient method.

The behaviour of tritium in the environment is linked to the water cycle. We compare three methods of calculating the tritium evapotranspiration flux from grassland cover. The gradient and eddy covariance methods, together with a method based on the theoretical Penmann–Monteith model were tested in a study carried out in 2013 in an environment characterised by high levels of tritium activity. The results show that each of the three methods gave similar results. The various constraints applying to each method are discussed. The results show a tritium evapotranspiration flux of around 15 mBq m−2 s−1 in this environment. These results will be used to improve the entry parameters for the general models of tritium transfers in the environment.