Relationship of photosynthetically active radiation to shortwave radiation in the San Joaquin Valley

Abstract Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (0.4–0.7 μm) and shortwave radiation (SI) (0.285–2.8 μm) measurements were made for a year at two weather stations near Fresno, California. Solar radiation quantity and daylength did not appear to affect the relation of PAR to SI in this environment. The effects of diurnal variations in the relationship of the diffuse to the direct radiation components are also negligible on a daily basis. For each location, linear equations were developed to express the relationship of PAR as a function of SI. Additional measurements (which are not part of the development data) taken at each site were used to validate each of the annual models.