Articles
What is the Importance of Leaf Area Index?
Leaf area index (LAI) is a key vegetation parameter used in plant research. Global collections of LAI show that plantations have the highest LAI and deserts have the least LAI. Temperate forests have higher LAI than tropical forests. LAI is used to increase food security, support forest research and management, and track the effects of… Continue reading…
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How Do Organic Fertilizers and Photosynthetic Rate Work Together?
Most research findings show that organic fertilizers improve the crop’s photosynthetic rate. The improvement occurs through increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased leaf number and area, and enhanced leaf chlorophyll content. Organic fertilizers enhance the soil’s nutrient status to support better plant growth and health, which increases crop photosynthetic rate. In many cases, organic fertilizers were more… Continue reading…
What Are the Causes Behind Global Plant Transpiration Trends?
An increase in the rate of transpiration is observed over approximately 70% of the global land surface. The hike in transpiration over the past four decades is due to greener landscapes. The increase in greenery is attributed to a higher Leaf Area Index, driven by carbon fertilization and higher global temperatures. Lower stomatal conductance, due… Continue reading…
What is Root Architecture?
The root system architecture is defined using root morphological, topological, and geometric parameters. Two classification systems developed by Yen et al. (1987) and Fitter et al. (1991) are widely used. Several other classifications for root architecture also exist. Root system forms vary between and within species and are based on the plant’s soil conditions at… Continue reading…
How Do Stomatal Traits and Transpiration Efficiency Impact Crop Yield?
Stomatal traits must meet mesophyll demand for CO2, conserve water, and maintain optimum leaf temperatures for higher transpiration efficiency. The stomatal traits associated with transpiration efficiency include size, density, patterning, guard cells, and responsiveness to environmental factors. So far, no crop breeding effort using stomatal traits has been able to prevent water loss/ transpiration without… Continue reading…
How Does Plant Architecture and Water Use Efficiency Impact Crop Yields?
The effects of different plant architectures on population-level evapotranspiration are not well-known. Plant architecture influences population structure, thereby altering the microclimate. Soil water use can be reduced through shading to minimize evaporation and by reducing canopy temperature. Around 97-99% of the water absorbed by plants is lost as transpiration. As water shortages are increasing and… Continue reading…
How Does Canopy Cover in Deserts Impact Soil, Biodiversity, and Urban Climates?
Vegetation in deserts is patchy and acts as islands of resources. Plant canopy can increase soil fertility, moisture, and microbial diversity. The tree canopy has several benefits for urban settlements in deserts, such as reducing temperatures, air pollutants, and carbon emissions. Deserts make up 33% of terrestrial ecosystems and are present on nearly every continent. They… Continue reading…
