Effect of light interception by non‐photosynthetic organs on canopy photosynthetic production

Abstract

AbstractA canopy photosynthesis model was derived on the assumption that the light diminution within a canopy is caused by both leaves and non‐photosynthetic organs. The light diminution by leaves and that by non‐photosynthetic organs were taken into account separately in the Lambert‐Beer equation of light extinction. The light flux density on the leaf surface at each depth was evaluated from the leaf's share of light. The light flux density on the leaf surface thus obtained was incorporated into the Monsi‐Saeki model of canopy photosynthesis. The proposed model was applied for estimating gross canopy photosynthesis in a 19‐year‐old Larix leptolepis plantation where 38% of the light diminution was due to non‐photosynthetic organs. The daily canopy photosynthesis on one summer day calculated using the present model was about 22% less than that calculated by the conventional Monsi‐Saeki model, in which light interception by non‐photosynthetic organs is neglected. The degree of such reduction in canopy photosynthesis through shading by non‐photosynthetic organs was assessed in relation to parameters affecting light extinction, leaf photosynthetic characteristics, and light regime above the canopy.