Conversion efficiency of photosynthetically active radiation intercepted in biomass in stands of black wattle in Brazil

Abstract

Biomass yield is a function of the conversion efficiency of photosynthetically active radiation intercepted in photoassimilates and varies depending on the conditions in which a plant is grown. Thus, this study sought to quantify the conversion efficiency of solar radiation intercepted by photosynthetically active biomass (εb) in black wattle stands (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.). A study was therefore conducted in 1-7 year-old stands of the species in two sites (to span one plantation cycle), in which intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (PARi), leaf area index, light extinction coefficient and biomass yield were determined. A system of equations is proposed, therefore, as photosynthetic radiation is intercepted and assimilates are converted, the system of equations estimates biomass yield, and at the same time predicts the biomass partition within the tree. The biomass yield of black wattle was linearly related to PARi and the εb of the total biomass of black wattle is 0.0021 kg MJ^-1.