Plant vitality

[detlef]

Hi Tom,

think this might be of some interest for you. The info below is about a device for measurements of plant health. It's suitable either to test for plant vitality/ growth via O2 production or one can use it the other way round also i.e. how much weeds etc. could be deprived (less O2 production) through poisonous substances.

I'm not sure wether such apparatus is quite common for research gernerally or wether this is something new at all. To me at least it seemed very interesting.

Regards,
Detlef

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Plant vitality

I've used a much more advanced device, the LiCor 6400.
Li Cor makes most of the gas exchange equipment in use for plant physiology and ecology.

O2 production is the assumed parameter used to determine health/vitality, same for algae and most photosynthetic research.

In our tanks, using a Dissolved O2 meter is the preferred device and a good determinant of planted tank health.

If you have 120-150% O2 levels by 5-8 hours of light, then things are going well.

Measuring terrestial systems is a bit more tricky.

Regards,
Tom Barr