SHADE-O-METER; AN INSTRUMENT FOR PAR MEASUREMENT OF (PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTIVE RADIATION) HORTICULTURAL NETS

摘要

The instrumental set - up was designed and developed by SASMIRA for the measurement of Photosynthetic active radiation capability of horticultural shade nets. The set up consists of a light source, filters, sample holders and the sensors for the measurement of transmittance of light. A chamber with reflective coating has been designed with arrangement for placement of light source, filters and sample holders for holding the shade net sample. As the measurement relates to PAR; the light in the visible spectrum range (400 -700 nm) transmitted through the shade net sample and was to be measured by light sensors (Radiometer /Pyranometer) in W/m2 with and without sample. Thus the percentage of light transmitting through the sample will be calculated. This specific wave length was chosen as the plants use this spectrum range in their photosynthesis process for optimum growth of the plants.. This photosynthetic active radiation (PAR measurement) in terms of w/m2 is the corresponds to shading % of shade net samples. Hence the developed set up will help in quantification of shading % in terms of PAR measurement which is one of the important parameter for plants in horticultural applications.