Radiative Transfer in a One-Dimensional Single Angle Plant Canopy

The radiative transfer equation for photons interacting with the phytoelements (primarily leaves) of a plant canopy of finite height is solved by application of Siewert’s F_N numerical algorithm. A one-dimensional, one-angle transport model is assumed with the Lambertian scattering leaves all oriented in the same direction. In addition, a Lambertian reflecting soil is assumed at the lower canopy boundary. Since the focus of this work is on the development of the F_N algorithm, emphasis is given to the derivation of the algorithm and the algorithmic accuracy; however, a comparison with afield experiment is also presented to indicate the potential usefulness of the F_N solution.