When it comes to growing plants, there is little that is more important than supplying adequate light for photosynthesis. But how do growers evaluate this? The DLI series of meters from Apogee Instruments allows growers to quickly measure lighting conditions while also allowing for more long-term monitoring of light fixture performance.
Two key parameters of light fixtures should be monitored to ensure maximum performance. First, instantaneous light levels should be checked, using the appropriate units. Apogee Instruments meters measure light levels at any given time using micromoles per square meter per second (µmol/m2/s). This measurement is a direct measure of total photons of light present. The DLI-400 measures these photons in a range relevant to sunlight only. The DLI-500 measures photons between 400-700 nanometers, or the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) range. Plants can use photons in this spectrum for photosynthesis and other biological activities. Most lighting fixtures used for plant growth emit photons in this range. The DLI-600 measures the PAR range including some light outside of this range (375-775 nm), or the extended PAR range. Not all lighting fixtures emit light in this range.
The second parameter that the DLI meters measures is the daily light integral (DLI). Expressed in moles per day (mol/day), the DLI represents the total amount of light delivered to the crop in a single photoperiod event in a single day. The data collected for the DLI measure will also indicate the actual length of the photoperiod, a key factor for photoperiodic crops. All data is available for download to computer through micro-USB connection if additional visualization and analysis is desired.
The DLI series of meters offers one button ease of use and convenient physical design to growers of any level of experience or environment. With a single button press, growers can cycle through instantaneous light readings, historical DLI readings (up to 99 days), reset DLI history, or turn off the read out. Battery powered with no back light and no power indicator lighting, these meters are ultra-low-power, leading to long battery lives. If you think one of the DLI meters from Apogee Instruments is right for you, reach out to your Griffin sales rep for more info!
| Item # | Description |
|---|---|
| 83-2800 | Apogee Instr DLI-400 Lgt meter Photoperiod Sunlight Only |
| 83-2801 | Apogee Instr DLI-500 Lgt meter Photoperiod Full Spectrum |
| 83-2802 | Apogee Instr DLI-600 Lgt meter Photoperiod Sunlight ePAR |