PAR radiation
Published: Friday, July 25, 2008
The Netherlands has a reputation for efficient production of vegetables, fruit and flowers. Being one of the most densely populated countries in the world, there is a constant need to improve horticultural production methods that efficiently use the scarce land available.
Research shows that plants mainly use light between 400 nm (blue light) and 700 nm (red light) for photo-synthesis. The light spectrum that corresponds to the typical sensitivity of plants is called Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR). To check and optimize the development of plants, accurate determination of the amount of PAR is essential. Kipp & Zonen PAR sensors are employed to monitor the influx of PAR from both natural and artificial sources.