The Use of a Model to Investigate the Influence of some Environmental Factors on the Growth of Perennial Ryegrass

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Abstract
A modelof thegrasscrop isconstructed, inahichthe simulated values of crop morphology and physiology adapt automatically to changes in the environment. The model predicts photosynthesis, partitioning of assimilates and the growth or the cropin terms of leaves, stems and rmts from environmental data and the initial weights of the crop components following defoliation. The model is used to investigate the separate effects of light, temperature, canopy structure and maintenance respiration on the growth and denlop mcnt of the crop. It demonstrates how the crop attempts to optimize aboveground growth, and the complexity of the interaction between the physiological and environmental factors controlling growth.