Assessing the vertical distribution of leaf chlorophyll content in a maize crop

The characterization of the vertical distribution in a maize crop was investigated. Chlorophyll content measurements were performed on each leaf of several plants along the crop cycle. Those measurements, as well as the surface measurements and the leaf insertion height measurements give the vertical distribution of chlorophyll pigments within the canopy. The chlorophyll content is higher for the middle leaves than for the top and bottom leaves of the plant. The impact of chlorophyll vertical distribution on the leaf reflectance response was investigated. For this purpose, the PROSPECT model was applied on multiple layers, reproducing the observed chlorophyll profile.