VALIDATION AND USE OF A COMPUTER-MODEL OF THE SOLAR-RADIATION REGIME IN OPEN-TOP CHAMBERS

A mathematical model of the radiation distribution within open-top cha mbers has shown it to be quite different from the ambient incident dis tribution. This has important implications for the growth, development and pollution response of plants grown within these structures. Calcu lations made using the computer model are compared with data collected in field trials for two extreme conditions of climatological radiance , namely, a clear sky and a standard overcast sky. The spatial and tem poral patterns of irradiance predicted by the model were confirmed. Th e model was then used as a basic design tool to study the effect of ch anging the dimensions of the chamber upon the energy received at plant height. (C) 1998 Silsoe Research Institute.