Biomass accumulation by crops depends on both light interception by leaves and on the efficiency with which the
intercepted light is used to produce dry matter. Our aim was to identify which of these processes were affected
for maize (Zea mays L., cv Volga) field crops grown under phosphorus (P) deficiency. In the preceding paper
(Plénet et al., 2000), it was shown that P deficiency severely reduced leaf growth.