Lux to PAR Conversion Formula:
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Lux to PAR conversion is the process of converting illuminance (measured in lux) to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, measured in μmol/s/m²). This conversion is important for plant growth studies as PAR represents the light spectrum (400-700 nm) that plants use for photosynthesis.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: The conversion factor F depends on the light source spectrum and typically ranges from 0.013 to 0.020 μmol/s/m² per lux for different light sources.
Details: Accurate PAR measurement is crucial for optimizing plant growth in controlled environments, greenhouses, and indoor farming. It helps determine the optimal light intensity for different plant species and growth stages.
Tips: Enter lux value and the appropriate conversion factor for your light source. Both values must be positive numbers. The conversion factor can be obtained from light manufacturer specifications or measured using specialized equipment.
Q1: What is the typical conversion factor for different light sources?
A: Conversion factors vary: sunlight ~0.019, fluorescent ~0.013-0.015, LED ~0.014-0.020, HPS ~0.012-0.013 μmol/s/m² per lux.
Q2: Why convert lux to PAR?
A: Lux measures human-perceived brightness, while PAR measures photosynthetically useful light for plants. Conversion is necessary for accurate plant growth calculations.
Q3: Can I use the same conversion factor for all light sources?
A: No, different light sources have different spectral distributions, so each requires a specific conversion factor.
Q4: How accurate is lux to PAR conversion?
A: Accuracy depends on knowing the correct conversion factor for your specific light source. For precise measurements, use a dedicated PAR meter.
Q5: What are typical PAR requirements for plants?
A: Requirements vary: low-light plants need 100-200, medium-light plants 200-400, high-light plants 400-800+ μmol/s/m².