Sport Terrain Testing IV: Luminosity

Light is the energy that plants need for its correct development. It is therefore very important to know the intensity, quality and duration of the light on the plant canopy.

For this reason, the amount of light incident on the surface must be measured continuously or periodically.

Today we are going to talk about the spectrometera simple device that can be used to measure the amount of PAR (Photosynthetically active radiation) in µmol/m² s.

The best way to find out about the Lighting that falls on the surface is to place this type of sensors in different places and take continuous measurements. In this way, it is possible to know if the lawn has a light deficit at any time of the year and correct it with light. artificial.

If continuous light measurements are not possible, frequent measurements should be made, especially in areas that are exposed to shade for the longest time.

For varieties C3 the light saturation point is reached with values between 534-1,072 µmol/m² s and in varieties C4 between 1.794-2.139 µmol/m² s. (Jack fry and Bingru huang, Applied turfgrass science and physiology, 2004.).

Light saturation is the maximum amount of PAR that the plant will use for photosynthesis:

-For higher values there will be light that is not used and may even cause foliar burns due to excess UV-B radiation.

-At lower values photosynthesis can be poor, resulting in a weak grass that may even die.

At present there are weather stations which accurately and continuously measure PAR (among other variables affecting weather). They are highly recommended for information on the potential of the vegetation cover.

At Tiloom we distribute the most powerful measuring systems as well as weather stations that will help you to achieve the highest quality standards in your grounds.

Make better decisions with us, our top quality services and our more than 15 years of experience in football and golf are our guarantee:

• Audit and monitoring service for sports grounds.
• Reading of laboratory analyses.
• Online support service.