The interrelationship of solar radiation and leaf area index in determining the rate of dry matter production of swards of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.)

Abstract

The relationship of crop growth rate, leaf area index, and solar radiation has been examined for swards of subterranean clover, of the variety Bacchus Marsh. Leaf area index was varied by growing swards at eight densities of sowing, and radiation varied by two levels of shading, in addition to full daylight; the whole experiment was done three times—in summer, early winter, and spring—at the Waite Agricultural Research Institute, Adelaide. Crop growth rate was measured as the difference between the dry weights of the swards on two harvest occasions, and was calculated from smoothed values obtained by fitting an appropriate equation to the yield : density relationship. Thus a set of nine curves were available, each showing the response of growth rate to varying leaf area index at a specific level of radiation. These nine curves formed a consistent series, the growth rate rising with leaf area index until a maximal value was reached at the "optimum leaf area index", thereafter falling. At low levels of radiation, growth rate fell to zero at high leaf area indices. Both the maximal growth rate and the optimum leaf area index increased with radiation, and an analysis of the data indicated that these growth indices were dependent on radiation, the effect of temperature being negligible. A generalized series of curves was calculated by extrapolation, so that crop growth rates can be derived for any combination of leaf area index and radiation. A comparison of maximal crop growth rates and percentage utilization of light energy of subterranean clover and other crops suggests that this clover is relatively inefficient in integrating its environment.