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Rapid Measurement of Crop Canopy Cover

USDA-ARS, Room 105-B East Waters Hall, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS 66506

^* Corresponding author.

Studies of photosynthesis, transpiration, water erosion, and wind erosion can require measurement of crop canopy cover, the percent of the soil surface covered by plant foliage. This study was conducted to evaluate the meter-stick method and an electronic method of measuring canopy cover for accuracy, speed, and ease of use. Canopy cover of winter wheat [Triticum aestivum L.], corn [Zea mays L.], and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] was measured weekly in 1988, using a meter stick and a DECAGON Ceptometer. Canopy cover ranged from 74 to 97% for wheat, 2 to 95% for corn, and 2 to 65% for soybean. There were no significant differences in canopy cover determinations by the two methods. The Ceptometer was faster, simpler, and as accurate as the meter stick.

Received for publication August 4, 1989.