Spectral Properties of Plants

The spectral properties of plant leaves and stems have been obtained for ultraviolet, visible, and infrared frequencies. The spectral reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance for certain plants is given. The mechanism by which radiant energy interacts with a leaf is discussed, including the presence of plant pigments. Examples are given concerning the amount of absorbed solar radiation for clear sky and overcast conditions. The spectral properties of desert plants are compared with those of more mesic plants. The evolution of the spectral properties of plant leaves during the early growing season is given as well as the colorimetric behavior during the autumn.

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