Optimum Leaf-Areal Nitrogen Content of Single Leaves For Maximizing the Photosynthesis Rate of Leaf Canopies : A Simulatron In Rice

We have attempted to estimate the optimum values of NLA(leaf-nitrogen content per unit eaf-area) to get the maximum photosynthesis of a canopy under different levels of NGA (foliage-nitrogen amount per unit ground-area). Leaves with a lower NLA are effective at low levels of NGA, while leaves with a higher NLA are effective at high levels of NGA. The advantage of having a high NLA is especially remarkable under high intensity radiation. The relationship betvreen NLA, NGA and canopy photosynthesis is similar to that observed between leaf inclination, leaf-area index and canopy photosynthesis.