ISSN:
1572-9680
Keywords:
canopy
;
foliage transmission
;
microclimate
;
radiation measurement
;
system productivity
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract Transmitted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was measured in eight-year-old silvopastoral stands at three different locations in the UK by using PAR sensors randomly distributed between four adjacent trees planted in a square pattern. Two densities (100 stems.ha-1 and 400 stems.ha-1 were compared. The annual carrying capacity (live weight of the animals that a plot supports) was also recorded as an indirect figure of the overall agricultural production of the system. The silvopastoral plots received less radiation than the agricultural plot without trees, the 400 stems.ha-1 treatment being more shaded than the 100 stems.ha-1. Over the measurement period, on some special days, a maximum of 30% of the incoming radiation was intercepted on the 400 stem.ha-1 treatment with the largest trees. The amount of light intercepted was highly correlated with the type of weather and the leaf area development of the trees: the brighter the day and more expanded the leaf area, the higher was the proportion of radiation intercepted by the tree. However, over the measuring period, a small amount of radiation was intercepted by the tree canopies. As a consequence, no differences were observed in the annual carrying capacity.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1005916925339
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