Photosynthesis in Farming
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 4.1.5
Photosynthesis in Farming
An understanding of limiting factors is important for plant production in greenhouses. Farmers must evaluate the trade-off (balance) between the costs of lighting and heating, and the rate of photosynthesis that is possible.
Increasing yield
- Lighting and heating in greenhouses increase the rate of photosynthesis that is possible.
- A high rate of photosynthesis means that crops grow faster and the total yield is bigger.
Cost
- However, if lighting and heating are very expensive, it may not be possible to spend money on increasing the light intensity and temperature of a greenhouse.
- Farmers must evaluate the trade-off between the costs of lighting and heating, and the rate of photosynthesis that is possible.
Test yourself on Photosynthesis in Farming
Select the true statement about increasing lighting and heating in a greenhouse
What is a disadvantage of a farmer increasing the lighting and heating in a greenhouse?
Why does a higher rate of photosynthesis lead to a bigger crop yield in a greenhouse?
What would most likely happen to a greenhouse's crop yield if a farmer could not afford to increase the lighting and heating?
Select the true statement about how a farmer decides on lighting and heating levels in a greenhouse