⚖️ The compensation point
The compensation point
Net photosynthesis = gross photosynthesis – respiration
Introduction
The rate of photosynthesis can be monitored as a function of either CO2 uptake or O2 production.
Since organisms that photosynthesise (such as plants) also undergo respiration (to have usable energy from the food they just made through photosynthesis), the relationship between the amount of photosynthesis and the amount of respiration that takes place at any time can be analysed.
Photosynthesis taken alone is the gross photosynthesis taking place. After accounting for any respiration that is using up the products of photosynthesis, extra products of photosynthesis amount to the net photosynthesis.
net photosynthesis = gross photosynthesis – respiration
The point at which photosynthesis and respiration are taking place at the same rate is called the compensation point.
The compensation point is significant in crop production. In order to grow, thrive and produce the parts for which crop plants are cultivated, they must have enough extra energy from photosynthesis carried out in light hours to support basic respiration needed for survival, as well as these additional activities.
For a single plant such as a house plant, daylight is sufficient to allow it to grow (light intensity of 50 fc; fc stands for foot-candle, believe it or not! It is a non-SI unit)….