Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
1. Sunlight
Light is one of the factors that affect photosynthesis. Based on its nature,
light factors are divided into several aspects, including light intensity, light
wavelength, and irradiation duration.
a. Light Intensity
Light intensity is the most influential factor in photosynthesis. The
lower the intensity of light that the plant receives, the more difficult it
will be for the plant to carry out photosynthesis. At low light intensity,
the energy absorbed by plants is not enough to be converted into
biochemical energy.
b. Wavelength
The wavelength of light is indicated through a spectrum of colors,
among which are yellow, green, red, orange, and blue color light. Each
of these color spectrums will affect the rate of photosynthesis.
c. Irradiation duration
In some parts of the world, solar irradiation can last more than 12 hours
a day. In these areas, the photosynthesis process carried out by plants
will also take place continuously.
Not all sunlight that reaches the earth's surface can be used in the
process of photosynthesis. Solar radiation that plays a role in the process
of photosynthesis is called Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR).
PAR is visible light at a wavelength of 400-700 nm.
2. Carbon dioxide concentration
Carbon dioxide is the raw material for photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide
concentration is the external factor that most affects the rate of
photosynthesis. Its limited availability, which is only about 0.03% in the
atmosphere, makes plants compete with each other to absorb it into
chlorophyll through stomata. The greater the concentration of CO2 in the
air, the rate of photosynthesis will also increase.
3. Water availability
Water is one of the basic needs for plants to be able to carry out
photosynthesis. Water has a function as the main raw material in the
process of photosynthesis along with carbon dioxide. In addition, plants
also need water for the transpiration process. If there is a lack of water, the
stomata on the leaves will close, making carbon dioxide unable to be
absorbed and enter the chloroplasts. The more water is available, the more
the rate of photosynthesis increases.
4. Temperature
Each plant has different optimum temperatures for photosynthesis. There
is a range of minimum temperature, optimum temperature, and maximum
temperature for the photosynthesis process to take place called cardinal
temperature.
5. . Chlorophyll content
Chlorophyll or leaf green substance is a pigment found in leaf chloroplasts
and is used as a catalyst in the process of photosynthesis. Without
chlorophyll, photosynthesis will take place very slowly and even cannot
occur until the plant runs out of energy. Because chlorophyll is found in
the body of plants, it is classified as an internal factor that affects the
photosynthesis process.
6. Nutrients
Nutrients are the main source of nutrients needed by plants in carrying out
metabolism. Nutrients in the form of minerals and organic matter that can
be obtained through absorption by roots in the soil. For example, in
carrying out photosynthesis, chlorophyll requires magnesium ions that can
only be obtained by roots from the soil.
