Phytoclimate of winter rye stands

Abstract

The present study describes the microclimate within a winter rye (Secale cereale) stand compared to that above a bare soil at the same height. It is focused on air temperature and humidity. The study is based on long-term measurements (1981-1999) at 0.2 m above ground in the agrometeorological field experiment at Berlin-Dahlem (Humboldt-University of Berlin). The microclimate within a winter rye stand differs significantly from that above a bare soil. Temperature and actual vapour pressure differences between both locations depend on the developmental stage of the plants as well as the time of the day. Their influence is so strong that a detailed analysis of the microclimate makes it necessary to break down the growing time of crop into several developmental periods. So, it was possible to describe and explain the characteristics of the phytoclimate in a relatively detailed and comprehensive manner. Thereby the assessment of potential damages caused by pests and diseases within crop stands becomes more precise.