Passive Remote Sensor for the Measurment of Terrestrial Carbon Changes

50734-98-I Passive Remote Sensor for the Measurment of Terrestrial Carbon Changes--Aerodyne Research, Inc., 45 Manning Road, Billerica, MA 01821-3934; (978) 663-9500 Dr. Andrew Freedman, Principal Investigator Dr. Charles E. Kolb, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82520 Amount: $75,000 The Department of Energy (DOE) needs sensor and measurement devices to determine the limits of the ability of terrestrial plants to take up carbon from the atmosphere by enhanced photosynthesis and growth. This project will incorporate a patented solar-induced Plant Fluorescence Sensor (PFS) with a sophisticated canopy-level radiation transfer model to interpret the sensor data. The PFS instrument will measure absolute plant fluorescence intensities at 690 and 760 nm (corresponding to the two major chlorophyll fluorescence bands) at a range of 100 meters. The work will focus on establishing a strong correlation between plant fluorescence levels and carbon sequestration rates. The studies will involve a series of greenhouse-based validation experiments as well as preliminary development of the canopy radiation transfer model. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: There are three primary commercial applications for the Plant Fluorescence Sensor in the civilian market: precision farming; wide area mapping of crop and forest health; and shallow water monitoring of phytoplankton. The biological research community is also in need of a passive plant fluorescence sensor capable of canopy level measurements. _