A weather-dependent yield model for silage maize

✍ Scribed by M.N. Hough

• Book ID: 102981346
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1981
• Weight: 857 KB
• Volume: 23
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0002-1571
• DOI: 10.1016/0002-1571(81)90093-5

✦ Synopsis

A simple model of plant growth is described which is suitable for investigating whole crop yields and uses monthly weather data as input. The model calculates gross photosynthesis and respiration, whilst the weight of roots is subtracted from total dry matter production to give harvestable yield. The weather factors which affect photosynthesis are assumed to be temperature, radiation and the ratio of actual to potential transpiration. Respiration is split into two components associated with synthesis and maintenance; the latter component is assumed to depend on temperature. The model results are compared with actual silage maize data. The model is used to briefly investigate the effects on yield of reduced plant populations, soils with lower water availability, and the effects of shelter.