Crop Responses to Water Shortages

Summary

This paper examines the effects that water shortages have on crop production through influences on transpiration, growth rate, phenology, light interception and biomass partitioning. It begins by considering the physics of transpiration and water transport from soil to atmosphere through plants, and examines biological adaptation and responses. It starts with some simple models that link growth and water use, and develops these through to more complex simulation models that allow the balance of mechanisms to water response to be examined.

Key Words:

• Potential deficit
• simulation models
• drought response
• transpiration efficiency