Hobbies And Interests
Photosynthetic Saturation For Different Plants
Different plants have different optimal points of saturation. Likewise, different types of leaves will photosynthesize at different rates, and leaves of different shapes and different hues will be able to capture different amounts of light and different gradients of the light spectrum. For example, pine needles, lily pads and submerged algae all collect different amounts of light and other resources necessary for photosynthesis, and therefore have different possible points of photosynthetic saturation.
Seasonal Changes in Saturation
Because the point of saturation is directly related to the amount and intensity of light -- and by nature the changes in the seasons represent a change to these qualities in light naturally available -- a change in season will equate to a change in the possible photosynthetic saturation. This is also true because in many cases, changes in seasons will also change the leaves of many plants (in some cases removing them entirely).
Limited Materials
Under optimum conditions -- with full light, and a fully spread and exposed leaf -- the only limiting factor to photosynthesis is the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. Under natural conditions, the amount and intensity of light, the condition of a plant's leaves, and the availability of water can all lower the point of possible photosynthetic saturation.
Measuring Photosynthetic Saturation
You can measure photosynthetic saturation by measuring the amount of oxygen produced by a plant kept under sterile and optimum conditions in a lab. You can then compare the rates of photosynthesis of different plants using the same method.