Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) Sensor Using an Array of Light Sensors with the Integration of Data Logging for Agricultural Application

Abstract

The study focused on the creation of a sensor that measures natural light coming from the sun. There are different kinds of measuring light and these are the LUX meter, Quantum Meters, Electrical Light meter and other kinds of sensor that measures light. One of these is the Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR). Studies show that the light in forest canopies typically requires a huge quantity of light sensors. Some of these light sensors usually require huge amount of money, hence, detailed studies for this agricultural used are very expensive. This study shows the creation and testing of a practical and inexpensive sensor for measuring photo-synthetic photon flux density or PAR. Detailed instructions are provided for assembly and calibration. The sensor was made from a blue enhanced silicon photodiode held within an 8mm substrate protective casing coated with IR blocking filter. The Apogee SQ-520 Quantum Sensor was used as a standard for comparison. The stability of the VTB8440BH sensor compared favourably to Apogee SQ-420 Quantum Sensor. Based on the data gathered, the group was able to obtain the linearity of the proposed and commercially PAR sensors which has a correlation coefficient of 0.99. This means that it is close to +1, thus, it has a positive correlation coefficient. The group was able to meet and satisfy all of the required objectives stated in the paper for the creation of Photosynthetically Active Radiation Sensor using an Array of Light Sensors with the Integration of Data Logging for Agricultural Application.