Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Interesting Picture from NASA Showing Farming in North America's Incredible Photosynthetic Activity

Fluorescence Reveals the Incredible Productivity of America's Corn Belt

The glow represents satellite measurements of fluorescence of land plants in early July, over a period from 2007 to 2011.

The glow represents satellite measurements of fluorescence of land plants in early July, over a period from 2007 to 2011. Image: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

http://www.nasa.gov/press/goddard/2014/march/satellite-shows-high-p...

During photosynthesis, the chlorophyll in healthy plants absorbs light to be converted into energy, but it also emits a little bit of light that’s not visible to the human eye. Scientists have now figured out how to use that fluorescent glow to measure the productivity of plants in a given region.

Using existing data from satellites designed for entirely different purposes, such as ozone monitoring, NASA scientists were able to show that during the Northern Hemisphere’s growing season, the midwestern U.S. has more photosynthetic activity than anywhere else on the planet, including the Amazon (the tropics are more productive on a yearly basis, however). Nearly all of this can be attributed to agriculture in what is sometimes called America’s Corn Belt — where, unlike the rainforest, crops are bred, engineered, and managed to be as productive as possible.

The image above is a compilation of data collected each early July from 2007 to 2011. The scientists think that fluorescence is a better measure of agricultural activity than anything currently used. And when they compared their results against ground measurements of carbon flux and yield statistics, they checked out.

Views: 157

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Crop Report for the Period May 27 to June 2, 2025

Over the past week, seeding advanced considerably across the province and is now approaching the finish line. Seeding is 97 per cent complete, up from 88 per cent last week. This is similar to the five-year average of 95 per cent and 10-year average of 96 per cent. The southwest, west-central and northeast are the furthest advanced at 99 per cent complete. The northwest is 98 per cent complete, followed closely by the southeast and east-central regions both at 95 per cent complete. Provincially, seeding is complete or nearly complete for field peas, spring wheat, durum, barley, triticale, canola, lentils, mustard, flax and oats. Chickpeas, canary seed, soybeans and perennial forage are the furthest behind in seeding progress. Rainfall was minimal throughout the province with most areas not reporting any. The highest rainfall was reported in the Eldon area at 11 millimetres (mm), followed by the Reno and Medstead areas both at nine mm. The Meadow Lake area received eight mm. Top

Spotlight on Service Tech Solutions: Sydenstricker Nobbe Career Academy

Farm Equipment’s Managing Editor recently interviewed Brad Nobbe, Vice President of Learning & Precision Ag at Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners, to learn the latest about the company’s Career Academy. On May 23, Nobbe and the instructors hosted a graduation ceremony for 24 students who successfully completed the 9-month program, now in its third year.

Warburtons invests in Gate project

Warburtons is supporting the Gate project through a $650,000 investment

New report highlights Cdn. farmer sentiment on tariffs

More than 80 per cent of respondents indicate concern over trade barriers and tariffs

CLAAS FARMPOINT Expands Into North Dakota

OMAHA, Neb. — CLAAS FARMPOINT just opened its doors in North Dakota, expanding services and investing in the future of area farmers. The temporary Buffalo, N.D., location will ensure farmers have immediate access to equipment, service and support. Meanwhile, construction is underway on a permanent facility in the Jamestown area, as well as a second location in Devils Lake. The Devils Lake location is scheduled to open ahead of 2025 fall harvest season.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service