PAR Archives - CID Bio-Science

Measuring How Microclimate Affects Turmeric Yield

Turmeric is integrated as an under-canopy cash crop in agroforestry, as it is considered to be tolerant to light shade. The microclimate created by canopy trees differs, so it is important to find which species creates the optimum growing conditions for turmeric. Finding out the amount of light that is transmitted to the under-canopy is… Continue reading…

Influence of Environment on Plants

There is no denying the importance of light for the growth of plants; however, there are many other environmental factors—such as temperature, moisture and nutrient availability, and soil type–that also influence plant growth. These factors do not act in isolation and are, many times, correlated. So, it is interesting to see how light works in… Continue reading…

Upcoming Webinar: Made in the Shade- How 11 Research Studies Cleverly Use Canopy Analysis to Measure Crop & Forest Health

Special guest researchers Brendon Anthony of Colorado State University and Derek Godwin of Oregon State University, along with our application scientists Eric Munoz-Garcia and Galen George review 11 studies that have used canopy analysis for everything from typhoon effects to pruning! Here is a quick look at some of what will be covered: How pruning… Continue reading…

Made in the Shade: How 11 Research Studies Use Canopy Analysis [Webinar Recording]

A couple weeks ago we hosted a webinar that looked at real research studies using canopy analysis in a variety of ways! We were joined by two special guest researchers that talked about their own work using our CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager. It was great to see so many different ways canopy imaging is used-… Continue reading…

Growth Regulators and Bio-stimulants Boost Plant Growth and Yield

We are currently faced with the task of increasing food production for a growing population with little additional land. Agriculture already uses 37% of land area and converting more forests to farms can further exacerbate environmental problems, so strategies, such as the use of bio-stimulants and plant growth regulators, could be a possible solution to… Continue reading…

The Dirt on Soil Carbon Formation During Afforestation

Soil carbon is the second-largest carbon sink in the world, and it is currently in focus during these times of accelerating climate change brought about by human activities. Very little is known on the patterns of carbon accumulation in the soil. Thus, it is essential to determine the mode and quantity of carbon being sequestered… Continue reading…

Intro to Precision Forestry

Precision Forestry Improves Goods & Services Never before has the interest in preserving natural forests and efficient management of plantations been as great as the present. Demand for wood products is increasing. On the other hand, it is also evident that the remaining forests have to be protected to maintain our quality of life—the very… Continue reading…

Tree, Crop & Plant Stress – A Primer on Abiotic and Biotic Stressors

The natural conditions in which plants and trees grow are neither uniform nor controlled. Many changes or fluctuations, even if they are temporary, can have a negative impact on and stress plants. The factors which can lead to stress can be one of two types: abiotic or biotic. Stress can have serious repercussions on various… Continue reading…

Regulating Fertilizer Applications in Agriculture For Healthier Crops & Environment

Farm Fertilizer – A Double-Edged Sword The excessive use of fertilizers is one of the main causes of the environmental impact of industrial agriculture. The notion that more is better has caused more harm than good to farming, as well as the environment. Therefore, using the right amount of fertilizers is considered an important part… Continue reading…

The Importance of Leaf Area Index (LAI) in Environmental and Crop Research

Leaf Area Index (LAI), which is used as a measure in hundreds of studies on forests, crops, climate and the environment, is calculated as half the area of all leaves per unit area of ground. It is measured as the leaf area (m2 ) per ground area (m–2) and is unit-less. So, a plant with… Continue reading…