Dynamic emulation of the effect from a single tree to lower solar radiation distribution

By modeling the condition of light climate, we studied the negative effect of shadows in a shelterbelt forest. Based on the calculation of the apparent trajectory of solar motion according to an ellipsoid crown projection model and a Monsi light transmission model, radiation values of 36 experimental sites were measured using a light quantum meter. Estimates of daily solar radiation distribution from measured values were obtained. We built a crown projection model and simulated the conditions of a light climate in the forest. The trajectory of the shadow motion is shaped like a butterfly arc. The situation of the outside is affected by tree height (H) and that of the inner arc by height below the branches. In an area of 1.0 × H (toward the east and west of the tree) and 0.6 × H (toward the north), transmittance was below 90%, which means that the effect of shadow hazards occurs in this area. As well, the effect was strong at the bottom of the tree. The area of shadow hazards in the east and west of the tree was large and small in the south. The projection area of the shelterbelt forest was largest along an east and west direction. A certain distance between crops and the shelterbelt should be maintained when the shelterbelt is in a north-south direction. Therefore, the effect of shadow hazard will decrease north of the tropic of cancer. Cutting out the lower branches from the trees of the existing shelterbelt in a suitable and timely manner can reduce the area of the shadows. __________ Translated from Journal of Northwest A&F University, 2008, 36(6): 113–118 [译自: 西北农林科技大学学报]