Author
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Hatfield, Jerry |
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DOLD, CHRISTIAN - Orise Fellow |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 6/20/2018 Publication Date: 11/7/2018 Citation: Hatfield, J.L., Dold, C. 2018. Enhancing Radiation Use Efficiency in the Agricultural Systems [abstract]. In: Proceedings of ASA-CSSA International Meeting, November 4-7, Baltimore, MD. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Radiation use efficiency represents the combination of the photosynthetic process by plants and the ability of the canopy to intercept photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) during the growth cycle. Photosynthesis is limited by light, carbon dioxide, temperature, water, and nutrients and differences exist among plant species in their response to these factors. One of the major components of radiation use efficiency is the interception of PAR by the crop. In uniform plant stands, the interception of light is determined by the amount of foliage and the distribution of the foliage area and angle with depth from the top of the canopy. The distribution of PAR within a canopy becomes more complex when there is mixed vegetation with varying heights and leaf angles. The solar corridor concept focuses on maximizing the radiation use efficiency of each crop. Of critical importance in this concept is how diffuse light is distributed within the canopy and available for the photosynthetic process. An advantage of the solar corridor system, because of the varying foliage densities, is the exchange of carbon dioxide within the canopy that maintains the carbon dioxide concentration at levels that are non-limiting to photosynthesis. To enhance productivity of crops, we need to explore practices that lead to increased efficiency in the use of natural resources and the foundation of that goal is increasing radiation use efficiency. |
