Solar Corridor –Physiological Perspective.

The Solar Corridor Crop System concept seeks to maximize the efficiency of capturing solar radiation and improving crop yields.  Crop production in its most basic analysis is the process of capturing CO₂ with sunlight energy through photosynthesis and converting that solar energy into chemical energy producing various carbohydrates that are then used to help meet the growing food, feed, fiber, and fuel requirements of the world’s expanding population.  Since the growing crop also produces additional biomass (stalks, stems, leaves, roots, etc.), there is significant contribution to soil organic matter and other benefits beyond the harvested crop that can be of value. The efficiency of this process can be enhanced through management of the other natural resources and production inputs used by the cropping system.  Understanding how the physiological processes in the plant are affected by this management opens the opportunities for enhancing the system.  Physical factors of row spacing, crop canopy architecture, interplant competition; rates and timing of various inputs; weather factors; and pest management all become contributors to the productivity of the system.  The Solar Corridor production system attempts to optimize the interactions of these factors to make most efficient use of the solar energy available throughout the growing season.