1. What is Average Daylight Factor?

The Average Daylight Factor (ADF) is a metric used to quantify the amount of natural daylight available for plants in a given area. It represents the ratio of the integral daylight factor over the total area, providing an average measure of daylight distribution for optimal plant growth.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ADF formula:

Where:

• \( \int DF \) — Integral Daylight Factor (%)
• \( \text{Area} \) — Total area (m²)

Explanation: The equation calculates the average daylight availability by dividing the total daylight factor by the area, providing a standardized measure for plant lighting requirements.

3. Importance of ADF Calculation

Details: Accurate ADF calculation is crucial for optimizing plant growth conditions, ensuring proper light distribution in greenhouses and indoor growing facilities, and maximizing photosynthesis efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the integral daylight factor in percentage and the area in square meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good ADF value for most plants?
A: Most plants thrive with an ADF between 2-5 %/m², though specific requirements vary by plant species and growth stage.

Q2: How is integral DF measured?
A: Integral DF is typically measured using light sensors placed at multiple points across the growing area and integrated over the total space.

Q3: Does ADF account for seasonal variations?
A: ADF calculations are typically based on specific time periods and may need to be adjusted for seasonal changes in natural light availability.

Q4: Can ADF be used for artificial lighting?
A: While primarily designed for natural daylight, the concept can be adapted for artificial lighting systems with appropriate unit conversions.

Q5: How often should ADF be calculated?
A: ADF should be calculated whenever lighting conditions change significantly, such as after structural modifications or seasonal transitions.