Hydrothermal Coefficient (HTC)
An index of moisture availability calculated as the ratio of precipitation to the sum of active temperatures over a specific period.
Также говорят: HTC, Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient, moisture index
The HTC is a fundamental tool for agronomic planning, helping to determine the level of water stress for crops during different phenological stages. It aids in assessing climate suitability for specific varieties and scheduling irrigation management.
When evaluating this index, it is crucial to consider rainfall intensity rather than just cumulative totals. A common mistake is relying on regional averages without accounting for site-specific soil moisture retention capacity, which can lead to inefficient water management strategies.