> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://swatplus.gitbook.io/io-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://swatplus.gitbook.io/io-docs/theoretical-documentation/section-5-land-cover-plant.md).

# Section 5: Land Cover/Plant

<figure><img src="/files/LTRfggQRj3jhEyP0pXYC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The plant growth component of SWAT+ is a simplified version of the EPIC plant growth model. As in EPIC, phenological plant development is based on daily accumulated heat units, potential biomass is based on a method developed by Monteith, a harvest index is used to calculate yield, and plant growth can be inhibited by temperature, water, nitrogen, or phosphorus stress. <mark style="background-color:red;">Portions of the EPIC plant growth model that were not incorporated into SWAT+ include detailed root growth, micronutrient cycling and toxicity responses, and the simultaneous growth of multiple plant species in the same HRU.</mark>