An estimate of a minimum quantum yield of photosynthesis based on ecologic data

Abstract

An estimate is made of the quantum yield of photosynthesis from information on organic matter production of a forest and its estimated solar radiation budget. Data from a Picea omorika plantation show a gross photosynthesis of 1893X108 g cal. ha/year. Direct solar radiation is 57,000X108 g cal. ha/year. Visible radiation available to the photosynthetic pigments is 23.864X108 g cal. ha/year. Efficiency in relation to visible radiation is 7.9%. Minimum quantum yield for the stand over the year is 0.039; maximum estimate is 0.053. The yield for leaf tissue at the most favorable time of day and season is presumably much higher.