A Simulation and Evaluation Method for Fruit Tree Canopy Light Interception Based on 3D Reconstruction

Abstract

Highlights A method was proposed to simulate and quantify canopy light interception based on structurally accurate 3D branch models of the canopy reconstructed using NeRF technology. Light scattering models, ray tracing algorithms, and the Beer–Lambert law were integrated, with full consideration given to the interactions between light rays and canopy structural units, to realistically simulate light propagation and energy attenuation within the canopy. Introduced two novel metrics, Light Interception Ratio (LIR) and Energy Interception Ratio (EIR), to comprehensively evaluate canopy light interception from quantitative and energetic perspectives. This study provides a tool for simulating and quantifying canopy light interception, offering a valuable reference for canopy pruning. ABSTRACT. The light interception capacity of fruit tree canopies is a critical factor that affects photosynthetic efficiency, yield, and fruit quality. Traditional methods, such as field measurements and radiation transfer models, are widely used but often lack high spatial resolution data and are prone to significant errors in complex conditions. To address this, we proposed a 3D reconstruction-based method to simulate and quantify canopy light interception by modeling spatial light distribution within the canopy. First, NeRF technology was used to reconstruct high-resolution 3D models of 12 plum trees, accurately capturing their complex canopy structures. Second, a canopy light model was developed and combined with ray tracing algorithms to simulate light propagation within the canopy and its interactions with branches and leaves. Finally, two core metrics, the Light Interception Ratio (LIR) and Energy Interception Ratio (EIR), were proposed to quantitatively evaluate canopy light interception capacity from the perspectives of quantity and energy. Using this method, we analyzed the differences in light interception capacities among 12 canopies with varying morphologies and evaluated the impact of different pruning strategies on canopy light interception. The results indicate that canopy density, branch and leaf distribution, and morphological characteristics significantly influence light interception capacity, with open shapes and evenly distributed canopies demonstrating superior performance. For instance, an open-canopy structure with evenly spaced foliage achieved an LIR of 33.48% and an EIR of 7.13%, compared to 32.81% and 6.58% in a denser, more compact canopy. This study offers an intuitive tool to simulate and quantify canopy light interception efficiency, providing scientific insights for pruning and optimal canopy design. Keywords: 3D reconstruction, Canopy light interception, Light distribution simulation, Orchard management optimization, Ray tracing.

Plant phenotyping relevance

3D再構成と光線追跡を統合し、果樹キャノピーの光 interception を定量化する手法と指標を開発・適用しており、植物状態の取得・推定が研究の中心である。

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