Why need to know the DLI For your Plants?
What is PAR and DLI? Why need to know the DLI For your Plants?
PAR stands for "Photosynthetically Active Radiation." It refers to the spectral range of solar radiation that is crucial for photosynthesis in plants. PAR encompasses the wavelengths of light between 400 and 700 nanometers, which correspond to the colors blue and red. This range of light is essential for the absorption of energy by chlorophyll and other pigments in plant cells, driving the process of photosynthesis. Plants use this absorbed light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, a fundamental process for their growth and development. The measurement of PAR is often expressed in units such as micromoles per square meter per second (µmol/m²/s).
DLI stands for "Daily Light Integral." It is a metric used in horticulture and plant science to quantify the total amount of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) received by a plant over the course of a day. DLI is measured in units of moles of photons per square meter per day (mol/m²/d) and provides information about the cumulative light exposure that plants receive.
DLI is crucial for understanding the light requirements of different plant species and varieties. It helps growers optimize their cultivation practices, especially in controlled environments like greenhouses or indoor farms. By monitoring and adjusting the DLI, growers can ensure that plants receive an appropriate amount of light for optimal photosynthesis and growth.
The specific DLI requirements vary among plant species. Monitoring DLI helps growers make informed decisions about supplemental lighting, daylighting, or adjusting photoperiods to meet the light needs of their crops.