Productivity and Canopy Structure in Seven Temperate Forage Grasses

Abstract

The chlorophyll per unit of ground area provides a useful indication of potential productivity. The more rapid accumulation of dry matter of Festuca arundinacea. although based in part on a larger canopy, is also associated with features such as specific leaf weight and/or chlorophyll content per unit of leaf area. The implications of these results in selecting for improved energy conversion by the canopy are discussed.