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Dear customer,
This newsletter focuses on measuring light, specifically the spectrum of light that is key to plant growth. Both outdoor and indoor growing environments are discussed.
Photosynthetically Active Radiation in Plant Science
Measuring Photosynthetically Active Radiation
Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) has been measured for many years as an important input to photosynthesis, plant growth and crop yield.
In recent times with the advancement of LED manufacturing & light measurement technologies, it is now being understood that the extension of PAR measurement into the Red and Far-Red light range can explain much about plant height, leaf expansion and morphogenic processes of plants.
This can be used to great advantage with indoor plant production systems and controlled environments.
Photobiology Simplified with Dr Bruce Bugbee
Apogee's Dr Bruce Bugbee explains in simple terms how the different colors of light can have a powerful effect on plant photosynthesis and morphology.
Dr Bugbee's lab at Utah State University is at the forefront of this research for NASA and many other companies and institutions.
2:30 Plant Shape
3:26 Differences between LED colours
5:22 The effect of far-red light
6:00 The colors that affect plant shape
7:21 How about cannabis?
Apogee's original Quantum sensors cut off measurements at 655nm and hence do not measure radiation up to 700nm and do not measure the Deep Red LED light. Recommended to use for focusing the PAR measurements in the green portion of visible light.
Apogee's Full-Spectrum Quantum sensors can measure the deep red LED with accuracy. The range of SQ-500 series quantum sensors are designed for continuous PAR measurement in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Scientific studies indicate that radiation outside the standard photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) range (400-700nm) can have substantial effects on plant growth, morphology, and secondary compounds.
Apogee’s new Extended Range PAR sensor is sensitive to light beyond just the PAR region, capturing portions of the UV spectrum as well as Far-Red radiation. Since the detector is sensitive to radiation with wavelengths up to 1100nm, beyond the range of wavelengths that influence plants, Apogee recommends using Extended Range sensors only in indoor grow environments utilising LED lights
Apogee's Red/Far-Red S2 series sensor is a two-channel digital sensor.
The plant canopy selectively absorbs Deep Red wavelengths (approximately 660nm) more than Far-Red wavelengths (approximately 730nm) resulting in a decrease in the Red:Far-Red ratio of light toward the base of the canopy, such changes in light quality result in photomorphogenic changes in plant growth. In agricultural production systems an understanding of these responses is central to optimising planting density and canopy management.
SNiPs (Sensor Node IoT Packages) Using Apogee Sensors
ICT International has a range of IoT packages available to connect with Apogee sensors and send data via CATM1 or LoRaWAN to the cloud for real-time monitoring and control of greenhouse production systems and light interception studies in field crops.
We look forward to hearing from you in the future,
ICT International
