Study on the microclimate modification in Maize

The growth and development of the crop plants are largely influenced directly or indirectly by microclimate of the crops. Light interception is one among the important micrometeorological factor which mainly influences the function of photosynthesis. The canopy architecture of the crop manipulates the interception of solar radiation of the crops. Yield increases can be obtained by mechanically manipulating leaves to allow greater penetration of solar radiation. Crop geometry is also determine the yield potential of the crop through better utilization of moisture and nutrients from the soil by harvesting the maximum possible solar radiation. Maize, which is normally sown, has only random leaf orientation that often results in mutual shading owing to intra-row orientation. Hence, this study was carried out to indentify the appropriate crop geometry and planting pattern for increasing the productivity of maize through creating favourable microclimate in maize. In this book methodologies adopted and the results derived from the study are discussed. I hope that this book will be highly useful resource material for modifying the microclimate to enhance the crop productivity.