Research methods in ecologyClements, Frederic E. (Frederic Edward)
Science
Research methods in ecology
Clements, Frederic E. (Frederic Edward)
Plant ecology; Plant ecology -- Methodology
=82. Use.= The light value of each exposure is determined by reference
to a standard. When the photometer carries a permanent standard, each
exposure is brought to the tint of the latter, and its value is
indicated by the time ratio between them. Thus, if the standard is the
result of a 5–second exposure to full sunlight at meridian, and a
reading which corresponds in color requires 100 seconds in the habitat
concerned, the light of the latter is twenty times weaker or more
diffuse. Usually, the standard is regarded as unity, and light values
figured with reference to it, as .05. With the selagraph such a use of
the standard is impossible, and often, also, with the photometer it is
unnecessary or not desirable. The value of each exposure in such case is
obtained by matching it with a multiple standard, after the entire strip
has been exposed. The further steps are those already indicated. After
the exact tint in the standard has been found, the length of the reading
in seconds is divided by the time of the proper standard, and the result
expressed as above.
=83. Making a standard.= Standards are obtained by exposing the
photometer at meridian on a typically clear day, and in the field where
there is the least dust and smoke. Exception to the latter may be made,
of course, in obtaining standards for plant houses located in cities,
though it is far better to have the same one for both field and control
experiment. Usable standards can be obtained on any bright day at the
base station. Indeed, valuable results are often secured by immediate
successive sun and shade readings in adjacent habitats, where the sun
reading series is the sole standard. Preferably, standards should be
made at the solstices or equinoxes, and at a representative station. The
June solstice is much to be preferred, as it represents the maximum
light values of the year. Lincoln has been taken as the base station for
the plains and mountains. It is desirable, however, that a national or
international station be ultimately selected for this purpose, in order
that light values taken in different parts of the world may be readily
compared.
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