PHYTOS | Canopy Measurements

ACCUPAR LP-80

There are several methods to measure how much light is intercepted by a canopy. There’s the hard way. There’s the expensive way. And then there’s the smart way: the LP-80.

Determine leaf are index

Pain-free LAI

Leaf area index (LAI) is defined as the one-sided green leaf area of a canopy or plant community per unit ground area.

Discover the theory

Looks like a leaf. Acts like one, too.

The PHYTOS 31 lets you know leaf wetness in no uncertain terms. It measures both the onset and duration of wetness on a simulated leaf, which in turn predicts when the onset of certain diseases or infections may occur. It’s not only a more accurate instrument, it’s also the easiest to set up, making it a simple and straightforward solution to several problems.

More about the leaf wetness sensor

A new method eliminates the need for painting or calibration

With the standard resistance grid leaf wetness sensor, wetness is only sensed when water droplets are large enough to bridge the gap between two fingers in the grid and lower the effective resistance. Researchers recognized this fact long ago and have tried to devise methods that would allow the sensors to detect small water droplets that are typical of the onset of dew.

Read the paper

carbon assimilation by plants

In simplest terms, carbon assimilation involves the chemical transformation of carbon dioxide and water to carbohydrate and oxygen within the leaves of plants.