Abstract: Based on the consecutive measurement (1995-1997) of meteorology and microclimate of artificial Pinus forest in Mount Dinghu, we calculated the potential evapotranspiration by using four different methods to discuss the method which is fit for forest ecosystem. The results are given as follows.1) In terms of the enviromental conditions of forest ecosystem, we redefined some parameters in Penman equation and used it to calculate the potential evapotranspiration of artificial Pinus forest ecosystem in Mount Dinghu.Preliminary result is that Penman equation is worth spreading for calculating the potential evapotranspiration of forest ecosystem,compared with several other methods.2) The annual average potential evapotranspiration of the artificial Pinus forest in Mount Dinghu is 937.55 mm,according to Penman equation. It is 50% of the rainfall in the corresponding period. The highest mean monthly potential evapotranspiration is July and the lowest mean monthly potential evapotranspiration is January. This is completely consistent with the variations of temperature.

Key words: optimized cropping system, southern China, preventing and avoiding drought disaster, precipitation year type.