Can Changes in Canopy and/or Root System Architecture Explain Historical Maize Yield Trends in the U.S. Corn Belt?

ABSTRACT Continuous increase in the yield of maize ( Zea mays L.) in the U.S. Corn Belt has involved an interaction with plant density. A number of contributing traits and mechanisms have been suggested. In this study we used a modeling approach to examine whether changes in canopy and/or root system architecture might explain the observed trends. A maize crop model was generalized so that changes in canopy and root system architecture could be examined. A layered, diurnal canopy photosynthesis model was introduced to predict consequences of change in canopy architecture. A two‐dimensional root exploration model was introduced to predict consequences of change in root system architecture. Field experiments…

• VG
  Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV
• AR
  Australian Research Council