The use of plant architectural models for estimating radiation transfer within agroforestry systems, an example for multi-strata coconut based farming systems
1999
Mialet-Serra, Isabelle | Dauzat, Jean | Auclair, Daniel
In many multi-strata agroforestry systems, transmitted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) can be a limiting factor, particularly for the establishment and growth of annual intercrops. Knowledge of the radiative climate under a given stand according to age, planting density and planting pattern is therefore of major interest for the management of multi-strata coconut based farming systems. The present paper describes the use of a series of software modules developed at the AMAP plant modelling laboratory for predicting radiative environment in various situations. Three-dimensional muneric mock-ups were computed according to the AMAP methodology. Average values and spatial distribution for transmitted PAR reaching the ground were then calculated and mapped under virtual coconut stands in different situations. After validation with field measurements, it was possible to predict the yield of annual crops (corn and mungbean) according to the estimated transmitted PAR. This method was then tested on cocoa perennial intercrops
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