Calibration and validation of non-destructive LAI measurements in various strip/relay intercropping systems
Master Thesis, English
Research area
Crop science
Motivation / State of the art / Relevance
Strip intercropping has been identified as an approach to diversify cropping systems while increasing or maintaining yield outputs. Despite the beneficial ecosystems services that could arise from such systems, little is known about optimal partner combinations and field arrangements for Germany. These factors have a direct influence on light interception and consequently yield production.
The "Diversifizierter Ackerbau für Risikominderung und nachhaltige Klimaanpassung" (DiARNIKA) project aims to fill this void in knowledge through experimental trials with various crops grown in Germany at different sites and times. We use a SunSCAN device to measure the intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) and the leaf area index (LAI) in the various strips and strip gaps to understand light interception dynamics in strip/relay intercropping throughout the growing season. Often, the device measured LAI values deviate from the field measured values (through destructive means), hence a need for calibration in the various crops in the trial.
Objectives
The aims of the study are (i) to get an overview on the dynamics of LAI and light interception in strip/relay intercropping systems throughout the growing season, (ii) to develop statistical models for the estimation of LAI with non-destructive devices for a wide range of field crops that could be used in agro-ecosystem process-based intercrop models, and (iii) to validate the statistical models in the various intercropping systems.
Methodology / Procedure / Workscope / external cooperation
The student will have an opportunity to learn and work with a highly motivated team in DiARNIKA project at Campus Klein Altendorf (CKA) and Campus Wissengut (WG) for field experiments. Timely sampling and analysis of plant variables that affect intercepted photosynthetic active radiation (IPAR) like BBCh, biomass, plant height, and leaf area dynamics throughout the growing season.
Expected results
Validated statistical models to derive LAI for a wide range of field crops with a non-destructive LAI device. Overview on the dynamics of light interception in strips in strip/relay intercropping throughout the growing season.
Timeframe
6 months
Language
English
Previous knowledge
Crop physiology, statistics and R language, high motivation for field work
Supervisor
Dr. Thomas Gaiser
Contact
Steven Kiwewesi, skiw@uni-bonn.de, Tel.: +49 228 73 60869