Faba bean canopy modelling with a parametric open L-system: a comparison with the Monsi and Saeki model

• Published in: Field crops research Vol. 58; no. 1; pp. 1 - 13
• Main Authors: Minguez, M.I. (Universidad Politenica de Madrid (Spain). Dept. de Produccion Vegetal), Daz-Ambrona, C.H, Tarquis, A.M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.07.1998
• Subjects: 3D model; CANOPY; COUVERT; CUBIERTA DE COPAS; Faba bean; L-systems; LEAF AREA; MODELE; MODELOS; RADIACION SOLAR; Radiation interception; RADIATION SOLAIRE; SOLAR RADIATION; SUPERFICIE FOLIAR; SURFACE FOLIAIRE; VICIA FABA; 3D model; L-systems; Faba bean; Canopy; Radiation interception
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-4290(98)00078-1
• ISSN: 0378-4290

A three-dimensional (3D) model of canopy growth for faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) based on the aggregation of simulated single plants, spatially distributed at a certain density, is presented. The plants are considered individual geometric objects that can be characterised with a Lindenmayer system (L-system). Plant growth was described with recursive algorithms coupled to traditional growth functions obtained from greenhouse experiments. A basic type of plant with three stems was first built with a deterministic L-system, then stochastic functions allowed for the representation of the plasticity of the legume under field conditions. The canopy model was validated with data from field experiments. Simulation of leaf area index and light interception were comparable to those obtained from traditional crop models such as CERES, CropSyst, etc. that consider the Monsi and Saeki's model. This 3D model, displaying growth and structures of a single plant and of a canopy, can become the basis for modelling the environment of individual organs of a faba bean plant. Decreasing the thermal time step would allow for daily or smaller time steps and for the inclusion of functions describing diurnal patterns of physiological processes.