The book takes a fresh, innovative look at the role of leaf development and canopy growth in the survival of the individual and the diversity of the community. It draws together significant advances in a diverse range of disciplines, answers some questions and, more importantly, stimulates the reader into new conceptual and experimental ways of approaching research. Emergent properties at the plant scale are the result of self–organisation of "local rules" applied within the cell and the couplings that exist between cells in the plant. In a similar way, emergent properties at the canopy scale depend on properties of the individual plants that are present. The whole is much more than the sum of the constituent parts. The focus in this volume is on the light–intercepting surfaces of the plant and the utilisation of the absorbed energy to fix carbon – the foundation of carbon–based life on earth. The authors consider a diverse range of species throughout, drawing on experience gained with both monocultures and mixed–plant communities. The volume is intended for researchers and professionals in plant physiology, cell biology, molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology. It will also be of interest to crop physiologists.

It will also be of interest to crop physiologists."--BOOK JACKET.

The last 30 years has seen the development of increasingly sophisticated models that quantify canopy carbon exchange. These models are now essential parts of larger models for prediction and simulation of crop production, climate change, and regional and global carbon dynamics. There is thus an urgent need for increasing expertise in developing, use and understanding of these models. This in turn calls for an advanced, yet easily accessible textbook that summarizes the “canopy science” and introduces the present and the future scientists to the theoretical background of the current canopy models. This book presents current knowledge of functioning of plant canopies, models and strategies employed to simulate canopy function, and the significance of canopy architecture, physiology and dynamics in ecosystems, landscape and biosphere.

This volume is a synthesis of current knowledge about the growth, development and functioning of plant canopies.

This book considers research findings that can inform the practice of managing tea crops.

The treetops of the world's forests are where discovery and opportunity abound, however they have been relatively inaccessible until recently. This book represents an authoritative synthesis of data, anecdotes, case studies, observations, and recommendations from researchers and educators who have risked life and limb in their advocacy of the High Frontier. With innovative rope techniques, cranes, walkways, dirigibles, and towers, they finally gained access to the rich biodiversity that lives far above the forest floor and the emerging science of canopy ecology. In this new edition of Forest Canopies, nearly 60 scientists and educators from around the world look at the biodiversity, ecology, evolution, and conservation of forest canopy ecosystems. Comprehensive literature list State-of-the-art results and data sets from current field work Foremost scientists in the field of canopy ecology Expanded collaboration of researchers and international projects User-friendly format with sidebars and case studies Keywords and outlines for each chapter

Food security and environmental conservation are two of the greatest challenges facing the world today. It is predicted that food production must increase by at least 70% before 2050 to support continued population growth, though the size of the world's agricultural area will remain essentially unchanged. This updated and thoroughly revised second edition provides in-depth coverage of the impact of environmental conditions and management on crops, resource requirements for productivity and effects on soil resources. The approach is explanatory and integrative, with a firm basis in environmental physics, soils, physiology and morphology. System concepts are explored in detail throughout the book, giving emphasis to quantitative approaches, management strategies and tactics employed by farmers, and associated environmental issues. Drawing on key examples and highlighting the role of science, technology and economic conditions in determining management strategies, this book is suitable for agriculturalists, ecologists and environmental scientists.