What does a PAR meter measure?

What does a PAR meter measure?

A PAR meter, also known as a “quantum sensor” measures the intensity of light, the amount of electromagnetic radiation below a single source, or multiple sources of light. The easiest way to think of a PAR meter is to think of measuring light intensity.

Do I need a PAR meter?

PAR meters are an important tool for any grower. HID lights like HPS and MH have short bulb lives. The amount of PPFD will decline over time based on the number of hours the light has been operating. The light may appear bright, and it might even read high on a LUX meter but the PAR output is steadily declining.

How do you measure PAR?

PAR is essentially a measurement of light emission within the photosynthetic range of 400-700nm. This represents the area of light that plants use for photosynthesis, or to grow. PAR is measured by the amount of micro moles of light per square meter per second.

What is a PAR reading?

A PAR reading will tell you how much light energy/intensity a grow light has at different points over a given growing area. To use our rain analogy, a PAR reading will be the measurement of rainfall on the ground it covers.

What is a good par value?

The amount of PAR your plants require depends on what you are growing, as well as how far away from your plants the light is. Generally speaking, leafy greens like lettuce only need a PAR value of ~200, whereas tomatoes and other plants that flower and produce fruit require 400-500 or more PAR.

How much PAR do I need?

But just using any light won’t do the trick. What you need is the right intensity of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at the leaves of your plant to really let them thrive….General Recommendations.

Growth Phase PAR Level (PPFD)
Vegetative 250 – 600
Bloom / Flowering 500 – 1050

How much PAR does a plant need?

To optimise your grow it is recommended that your plants receive 500-1000 µmols of PAR light for every m² (PPFD). Less than this and growth rates will be low. Higher PAR intensity for your plants than this and the increase in growth rates do not justify the extra energy cost.

Is lux the same as PAR?

Lumens and lux refer to light intensity as it is perceived by the human eye. PAR, on the other hand, tells you something about the quality of light as plants perceive it. Think of it as a dog whistle.

What is a good PAR value?

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