SEASONAL INTERACTIONS BETWEEN CARBON DIOXIDE AND WATER VAPOR FLUX IN CORN CANOPIES

摘要

Transpiration of water vapor from plant leavers into the atmosphere is critical for cooling leaves. The greater the amount of water transpired during the season the greater the potential production of plant biomass. Water vapor transfer to the atmosphere occurs through the stomata and these pores provide for the entry of carbon dioxide into the leaf. Carbon dioxide and water vapor are two critical components related to plant growth. Until recent advances in measurement methods it has been impossible to develop season-long measurements of both of these gases above and within plant canopies. The insights we can gain from measurement of both CO_2 and H_2O vapor fluxes above and within the canopy can provide a more complete understanding of these interactions and the relationship to crop microclimate. The objective of this study is to quantify CO_2 and H_2O vapor fluxes in corn and soybean canopies grown under different management practices.