[net.space] Efficiency of photosynthesis

BRUC%MIT-MC@sri-unix.UUCP (08/23/84)

From:  Robert E. Bruccoleri <BRUC @ MIT-MC>

Photosynthesis can be quite efficient. Under ideal conditions, ratios
of energy of combustion of plant products to incident solar energy of
0.3 have been achieved. Rubber plants can make latex at an efficiency
of about 15% (from I. Tinoco, K. Sauer, and J. C. Wang, Physical
Chemistry, p. 324). On the other hand, I recall (although I couldn't
find the source) that many plants have much lower efficiencies of
carbon fixation (around 1 to 2%).

Bob Bruccoleri