Utilization of soil erosion models requires data on soil canopy cover and crop height. Equations to describe the relationship of aboveground biomass to soil canopy cover and height of the corn, cotton, dry bean, potato and soybean crops were developed from data collected at farm plots in several municipalities of the State of Paraná during the 94/95 crop year. Canopy cover and height, and aboveground biomass were collected at fifteen-day intervals. Yield was determined by manual harvest. The relations utilized, which employ proportional variables, resulted in determination coefficients (R²) of 0.87 or higher, and require simple and generally available data. Biomass accumulation during the season was estimated with similar precision by either the cumulative heat units or days after seeding. The form of the relation between aboveground biomass and canopy cover depended on the crop. The exponential form was more appropriate for the dry bean crop and the logistic form for the corn and soybean crops. Either form seemed adequate for the cotton and potato crops. Canopy height was also estimated from the aboveground biomass with good precision (R² ≥ 0,87).
canopy cover; canopy height; aboveground biomass; erosion modelling