ci-110 Archives - CID Bio-Science

CI‑110 Plant Canopy Imager vs Drone‑Based LAI Measurements: Which gives you more for your money?

CI‑110-Plant-Canopy-Imager-vs-Drone‑Based-LAI-Measurements

A plant canopy imager has become a core tool for crop scientists who want quick, reliable leaf area index (LAI) measurements in the field. Many research teams now debate whether handheld canopy instruments or drone-based LAI models offer better value. Both approaches collect important canopy structure data, but they differ in cost, accuracy, workflow, and… Continue reading…

What Affects Leaf Area Index Estimation Accuracy in Field and Remote Methods?

TLDR Leaf area index (LAI) field methods are classified into two categories: destructive, direct methods and non-destructive, indirect methods. LAI estimations by the indirect method across the ecosystem, plant, and species are lower than those obtained directly. Clumping, non-random leaf distribution in the canopy, seasonality, and inadvertent inclusion of contributions by woody parts can affect… Continue reading…

How Does Elevated Carbon Dioxide Affect Leaf Area in Plants?

Leaf area increase is a consistent vegetation response to elevated carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The increase in leaf area declines due to long-term exposure of vegetation to carbon dioxide. Various intrinsic and external factors moderate the increase in leaf area due to elevated carbon dioxide. Elevated carbon dioxide concentrations from anthropogenic sources are… Continue reading…

What Is Crop Coefficient and Is It Essential for Irrigation Efficiency?

To optimize irrigation without excessive water use, the actual water lost through crop evapotranspiration is replaced during watering. The crop coefficient provides information based on crop characteristics that can be used in models for indirect estimation of actual crop evapotranspiration. Crop coefficients are specific for crops, cultivars, regions, local climate, soil, and agricultural management practices.… 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…

Five Ways To Increase Harvest Index

Improving the harvest index is crucial for economic and ecological reasons. The means to increase the harvest index can vary with the crops. Plant breeding is more critical for maize, while irrigation practices are vital for rice. Growth regulators that increase source activity and strengthen sinks are needed in pineapple, while growth retardants to limit… Continue reading…

Why is Riparian Canopy Cover important for Water Quality and Wildlife

Riparian zones are the transitional areas between water bodies and uplands. Riparian zones provide several ecosystem benefits, such as bank stabilization, water quality and temperature maintenance, lowered downstream flood risks, and wildlife habitat and food. Many of the riparian zone benefits depend on a healthy old-growth canopy cover. Canopy cover and shade of riparian zones… Continue reading…

Adapted Plant Traits in Riparian Zones

Riparian plants have anatomical and morphological adaptations that help them persist in the dynamic and variable conditions of the ecotone. Plant adaptations in the riparian ecotones occur in response to periodic flooding, anoxia, low luminosity, and unstable substrate. The adaptations can be in the shoot, leaves, and root systems. Adaptations vary based on life forms,… Continue reading…

Canopy Cover Research 2024: 5 Breakthrough Findings You Need to Know

In 2024, studies focused on the combined effects of canopy cover along with those of other vegetation traits and environmental conditions. The crucial role of canopy cover in plant drought response strategies in various ecosystems and applications is an emergent theme. Canopy cover is also essential in studies promoting sustainable solutions from urban cooling, regenerative… Continue reading…