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A number of curve fitting methods were evaluated for their applicability in modeling plant canopy photosynthetic dynamics. Non-Parametric and Non-Linear models were applied to long term dynamics in photosynthesis and response surfaces relating photosynthesis to crop age and light intensity. All models performed well, but computational details in the non-linear least squares algorithm made the simpler, non-parametric model forms more attractive. Applications of these modeling techniques are addressed in the context biomass production research and in the assessment of air revitalization capacity for bioregenerative life support. These techniques are especially useful in the modeling of crops exhibiting complicated growth profiles.

A deterministic model of canopy CO, exchange for a soybean crop has been developed to describe vegetative and reproductive phases of growth. Using this profile as an example, a conceptual model for the design and management of integrated production systems is developed with the objective of dampening both the long term and photo-oscillatory gas exchange dynamics of plant canopies in sealed environments. The resulting conceptual model includes photoperiod offset coupled with staggered planting and attenuated lighting as operational means of achieving stable atmospheric CO, concentrations. The issue of cultural compatibility of crops for integrated production is discussed and an operational scenario is proposed for two production chambers having different crop compositions and photoperiod requirements. The resulting operational scenarios have application to large scale, planetary based bioregenerative life support systems.