A model is described to simulate the growth of a maize crop. After evaluating physiological data, programming aspects are discussed. The simulation language is CSMP. The photosynthetic rate of the crop surface is calculated from the amount of light, the light distribution, photosynthetic function, leaf area, and temperature. The leaves grow at the expense of photosynthetic products. Growth rate is made dependent on the age of the tissue, the amount of reserve products, the availability of water and temperature. Respiration is the sum of growth respiration (calculated from the growth rate of the plant), and maintenance respiration; their relative contributions are discussed. Results of simulation of field trials in different places agree reasonably well with reality.
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