Using 3D architectural models to assess light availability and root bulkiness in coconut agroforestry systems

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorNathalie Lamanda
dc.contributor.authorJean Dauzat
dc.contributor.authorChristophe Jourdan
dc.contributor.authorPhilippe Martin
dc.contributor.authorEric Malezieux
dc.date.accessioned2014-05-21T10:46:12Z
dc.date.available2014-05-21T10:46:12Z
dc.date.issued2008
dc.description.abstractUsing 3D architectural models to assess light availability and root bulkiness in agroforestry systems. In many parts of the humid tropics, coconut trees are frequently intercropped with food crops, or tree crops such as cocoa. The performance of such systems depends on planting patterns, but also on growing conditions for crops below the coconut canopy throughout the development of the coconut trees. We used a modelling approach providing indicators for assessing above-ground competition for light and below-ground competition for space, in order to optimize intercropping in coconut smallholdings. Light transmission and the number of coconut roots in the interrow were assessed in coconut smallholdings from 6 to 60 years old. The modelling of light transmission through coconut stands was based on three-dimensional virtual coconut trees and a numerical light model that computed the shade cast by coconut trees on underlying crops. Root colonization in the interrow was assessed with virtual 3D coconut root systems. Our results showed that intercropping with shadetolerant species was not limited by light transmission from the 35th year after coconut tree planting. However, at that stage of coconut tree development, the density of primary roots in the interrow limited intercrop development, especially for root and tuber crops. Alteration of the planting pattern over time increased light transmission but did not significantly affect root density. This modelling approach, which involved little parameterization that was easily done, appeared to be an efficient tool for recommending coconut tree planting patterns and densities, as well as indicating intercrop potential depending on their location in the most sunlit areas with minimum root competition.en_US
dc.identifier.citationAgroforest Syst (2008) 72:63–74en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1571
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.subjectAbove- and below-ground competitionen_US
dc.subjectCocos nucifera L.en_US
dc.subjectCropping systemen_US
dc.subjectLight partitioningen_US
dc.subjectRoot colonizationen_US
dc.subjectVanuatuen_US
dc.titleUsing 3D architectural models to assess light availability and root bulkiness in coconut agroforestry systemsen_US
dc.typeArticleen_US

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
using 3d architectural models to assess light availability.pdf
Size:
465.56 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
license.txt
Size:
1.71 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download

Collections

Coconut