Three-Dimensional Canopy Architecture and Light Interception Dynamics: A New Perspective for Crop Productivity Enhancement

Abstract

Agriculture strives to balance productivity and sustainability worldwide. The future of both non-perennial and perennial crops may depend on how solar radiation within plant canopies is managed. This review examines the complex physics, eco-physiology, and art of canopy architecture to improve light interception, essential for photosynthesis and resource allocation. It extends beyond traditional concepts such as the Law of Beer and classical models by incorporating modern simulations, AI-based phenomics, three-dimensional structural mapping, vertical stratification, and remote sensing. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between diffuse and direct light and on the spatial organisation of leaf angles, azimuth, and inclination, which influence microclimates, stress resilience, and source-sink relationships. The review covers orchard and crop management techniques such as pruning, training systems, mulching, and growth regulators, supported by quantum measurements and UAV imagery, analysed with advanced tools such as RATP, MAESTRA, and DART. This integration of ecological, economic, and technological factors demonstrates how light interception impacts crop quality, yield, and climate resilience. It calls for a transformation in canopy science, linking molecular advances to large-scale agricultural practices, which are vital for developing sustainable solutions to global food security.