TELOC: A simulation model of the effects of lead on corn (Zea maize) growth

The simulation model TELOC has been developed to estimate the potential reduction in corn grain yield caused by soil lead. The model uses local weather data to estimate plant uptake of lead, photosynthesis of growth. The rate of photosynthesis begins to decline at 175 ppm Pb in the leaves. If the rate of photosynthesis is sufficiently reduced the carbohydrate reserves will be insufficient to meet growth demands and potential grain yield will decline. TELOC was developed to generalize across soils so that a variety of soil—lead combinations may be investigated. In addition to local weather data, a dry weight estimate of soil Pb and the parameters controlling Pb sorption by the soil must be furnished for a simulation. The model was written to be as versatile as possible. With minor changes of the code, the impact of pollutants that reduce the rate of photosynthesis may be investigated.