Project

Effect of different canopy architectures on the microclimate of intercropping systems

One of the reasons for the improved performance of intercrops is differences in intercrop canopy architecture compared to sole crops, in terms of plant height, leaf size, shape, and orientation. These changes have been linked changes in light environment, but microclimate is still a knowledge gap.

Project description

Plant architecture determines the interface between plants and their microclimate, i.e., the immediate specific environmental conditions surrounding plants – radiation, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. These microclimatic conditions within the canopy change in ways that are challenging to predict and have different spatial and temporal variability at fine scales. These variations play a key role in determining overall plant functioning. The project aims to quantify the relationships between canopy architecture and changes in microclimate (profiles of light, temperature, RH and windspeed).

Objectives and methods

This project will focus on canopy architecture and development measurements, to be linked with changes in profiles of microclimate variables. Different types of measurement will be carried out such as image data, leaf angle and leaf curve measurements, plant architecture description.