A model for simulating photosynthesis in plant communities

Abstract

The amount of photosynthesis accomplished by a leaf canopy was predicted from the properties of individual leaves. Theories were developed for the penetration of direct and diffuse sunlight through a canopy composed of many layers of leaves, each having known orientation, area, reflection and transmission characteristics. From this the illumination of each leaf at a particular time of day (sun elevation) and thus its photosynthesis, was determined. Hourly observations were added together for estimates of daily photosynthesis by plant communities. Examples are given of computer simulations of real and hypothetical problems and data were given from a study of a maize community.