**Step 4: Computation of growth factor from LAI**

[49] developed a simple approach for deriving growth rate equation from LAI. Experimental evidence indicated that the growth rate of several agricultural crop species increases linearly with increasing amounts of LAI, when soil water nutrients are not limiting [46]. The following equation is used:

CGF= 0.515 – e –0.667 – (0.515\*LAI)

where *CGF* = Corrected Growth Factor. Experimental evidence indicated that the growth rate of several agricultural crop species increases linearly with increasing amounts of LAI, when soil water nutrients are not limiting.
