Proceedings of the New Zealand Ecological Society (1970) 17: 139- 142

©New Zealand Ecological Society

A simple chemical light-meter for use in forests

Research Article
P.M.F Smith 1
G. A. M. Scott 1, 2
  1. Department of Botany, University of Otago, Dunedin
  2. Now at Department of Botany, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
Abstract: 

A modification of Heinicke's method for measuring light by the photo-decomposition of uranium salts is described. Partially masked glass tubes of uranyl nitrate/ oxalic acid solution are expected to light for several days and the decomposition, shown to be linearly dependent on the amount of light received. is found by titration. Tests in artificial light and natural forest show that the method is applicable to a wide range of light intensities. It is simple and cheap enough for extensive use in ecological investigations.

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