Crop Production Potential and Energy Conversion Efficiency in Different Environments

Abstract

SUMMARY A method of estimating crop production potential was devised and tested in a number of contrasting solar radiation climates. With increasing levels of solar radiation, total dry matter yields of kale, maize and sugar beet increased, whilst energy conversion efficiency declined in kale and sugar beet but increased in maize. Maximum potential crop yields in almost all environments were achieved with a conversion efficiency of approximately 2 per cent of total radiant energy.