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Agriculture

Light is essential for plant growth. It drives the process of Photosynthesis, which converts water and Carbon Dioxide into Glucose and Oxygen. This chemical process is the driving force in plant development. Diff erent parts of the light spectrum have specifi c infl uences on plant physiology, such as leaf development, stem elongation, and the biological clock.

Optimizing the Measurement of the Light of Life

Accurate measurement of solar radiation and Photo-synthetically Active Radiation (PAR) is a necessity to control the complex artifi cial environments within the numerous greenhouses in our country. Kipp & Zonen pyranometers are used in the majority of meteorological stations which provide the inputs for greenhouse climate control systems, in which both natural sunlight and artifi cial lighting is used. Our PAR sensors are employed to monitor the infl ux of PAR radiation from these sources.Advances in lighting systems for horticulture provide improved control and quality of plant growth. Kipp & Zonen is in constant cooperation with agricultural companies and universities to develop and improve radiometers to meet the measurement requirements of the future. The Netherlands has a reputation for effi cient production of vegetables, fruit and fl owers. Being one of the most densely populated countries in the world, there is a constant need to improve horticultural production methods that effi ciently use the scarce land available.