Effect of plant population on growth

1) Plant height increases with increase in plant population due to competition for light.

2) In some of the cases moderate increase in plant population may not increase in plant height due to competition for water and nutrient but not for light.

3) Increase in plant height due to higher plant population is adventitious for better light interception due to exposure of individual leaves at wider vertical interval.

4) Dense plant stands reduce leaf thickness.

5) High plant densities alter leaf orientation.

6) High plant densities make the leaves erect, narrow and arranged at longer vertical intervals, which is desirable architecture to intercept more light.

7) Dry matter production per unit land area increases with increase in plant population up to a limit.