![]() The light used by plants for photosynthesis has wavelengths from 400 to 700 nm. Ideally, measurements should be taken once per minute or more often. Photosynthetically active radiation measurements over the course of a day can be used to calculate the daily light integral (DLI) if frequent measurements are taken. Shortwave radiation measurements can be used to model evapotranspiration-water lost daily via evaporation from soil and transpirational loss by plants-that can then be used for irrigation scheduling. Shortwave radiation is the total energy of incoming light and is measured using pyranometers. Light can be measured in terms of shortwave radiation or photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Light is the driving force behind photosynthesis and can be used in plant growth models and/or coupled with water-use models for irrigation management. The key is to place weather station equipment in the growing area. Greenhouse structures can also impact measurements, especially light measurements, but plants would also be exposed to the same shading. Placement under a tree or near a structure could alter measurements. This is especially critical if the goal of measurements is to warn of impending frost. ![]() Weather stations should be installed in the growing environment in a flat area away from buildings, pavement, and trees. ![]() Station placement is critical for accurate measurements. This publication is intended to serve as an overview of weather station components and a broad discussion of how a weather station can be used to make cultural decisions, including irrigation, fungicide application, or frost protection. Additionally, cold pockets created by elevation changes can create temperature variability, making local (adjacent to growing areas) weather stations a valuable tool in monitoring and use for irrigation scheduling and freeze protection. Weather conditions can vary over short distances, especially for measurements such as rainfall, which means that off-site measurements - often taken miles away as part of a public weather network - may not be accurate enough for irrigation and/or temperature scheduling purposes. An on-site weather station allows for monitoring of the microclimate in your growing area. Soil conditions include soil moisture, soil temperature, and soil bulk electrical conductivity. Commonly measured environmental variables include light, temperature, relative humidity, rain, and wind. A weather station is a collection of instruments and sensors that measure atmospheric and soil conditions.
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