Spatial Distribution of Net Radiation in a Corn Field 1

SynopsisOn clear days, after maximum leaf area development, the net radiation at the ground constituted only 25% of the total net radiation measured above the crop, 75% being expended within the crop canopy. Some 73% of the energy expenditure within the crop occurred in its upper half. It is estimated that closer row spacing than 40 inches could increase the energy available to the crop for photosynthesis by 15 to 20%.