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Words and images by @SuperFunker. Part 2, Lumens Lumens is a measurement of total light emitted by a source, but it's only a narrow representation of the PAR spectrum. As defined by the LI-COR LI-210R Photometric Sensor, the spectral response is a weighted measure designed to rationalize light associated with peak human sensitivity (555 nm). This is ideal for testing household, office and public lighting, but it's a limited gauge for assessing the intensity and effectiveness of horticulture lights. Consumer Interpretation of Lumens Although lumens primarily measure the intensity of green and yellow light, it's possible to glean a couple...

Words and images by @SuperFunker. Part 1, PAR Photosynthesis is the photochemical process by which plants and other organisms use light to synthesize sugars from carbon dioxide and water. The spectral range of light that induces photosynthesis is called Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR). PAR is defined as visible light that is measured from 400 to 700 nanometers (nm) and includes violet, blue, green, yellow, orange and red light. Of these colors, violet to blue (400 to 500 nm) is associated with vegetating growth and orange to red (600 to 700 nm) is associated with flowering growth. Although researchers are still...