Modélisation de l'interception des rayonnements solaires dans une culture en rangs I. Aspects théoriques

transfer model in row crops using a probabilistic approach is presented. The geometric structure of the canopy is expressed in terms of view factors, which are calculated from the classical extinction laws of radiation. This procedure reduces greatly the computing time. Radiation intercepted by the crops and the soil is calculated using the radiosity method; this enables the integration of multiple scattering with a simple formalism and without considering successive scattering. The isotropy of scattered radiation at leaf level is the main assumption. The validity of the method is tested by comparing the results with those obtained by the model of Bonhomme and Varlet-Grancher, which was developed for homogeneous canopies. It is then proven that the radiosity method is equivalent to that of successive scattering. probabilistic approach - view factors - radiosity method - heterogeneous canopy - reflection - transmission