What does evapotranspiration (ET) refer to?

Evapotranspiration (ET) specifically refers to the combined processes of evaporation and transpiration. Evaporation involves the loss of water from soil and surface water bodies, while transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere. Together, these processes account for the movement of water from the earth's surface into the atmosphere, playing a crucial role in the water cycle. Understanding ET is essential for effective water management in irrigation because it influences how much water plants need and how much water is lost from the system.

The other choices do not accurately describe ET: total rainfall collected over a year relates to precipitation, the absorption of water by soil pertains to infiltration, and runoff refers to the movement of water over land, all of which are distinct processes separate from the concept of evapotranspiration.