Track 2-01: The Ecology of Grassland and Forage Ecosystems
Description
The canopy structure is a key variable to determine the adaptive potential of forages and it influences the radiation use efficiency (RUE) under different light conditions. The light extinction coefficient calculated from the Beer-Lambert formula (k) shows the canopy architecture and light interception patterns of plants and thus their potential ability to convert light energy (photosynthetically active radiation-PAR) into plant biomass (Hirose 2005). Under shade, forages may experience changes in plant morphology and canopy structure. Many authors reported those changes and relate them to modifications in light quantity and quality (Varella et al. 2010). The magnitude of these morphological changes may be determinant to screen forages for shaded environments such as silvopastoral systems.
The objective of this study was to determine the light interception patterns and extinction coefficients of Arachis pintoi under two artificial shading levels (50% and 80%) and in full sunlight and relate them to adaptive potential of this legume for silvopastoral systems.
Included in
Morphological Acclimatation and Canopy Structure Characteristics of Arachis pintoi under Reduced Light and at Full Sun
The canopy structure is a key variable to determine the adaptive potential of forages and it influences the radiation use efficiency (RUE) under different light conditions. The light extinction coefficient calculated from the Beer-Lambert formula (k) shows the canopy architecture and light interception patterns of plants and thus their potential ability to convert light energy (photosynthetically active radiation-PAR) into plant biomass (Hirose 2005). Under shade, forages may experience changes in plant morphology and canopy structure. Many authors reported those changes and relate them to modifications in light quantity and quality (Varella et al. 2010). The magnitude of these morphological changes may be determinant to screen forages for shaded environments such as silvopastoral systems.
The objective of this study was to determine the light interception patterns and extinction coefficients of Arachis pintoi under two artificial shading levels (50% and 80%) and in full sunlight and relate them to adaptive potential of this legume for silvopastoral systems.
