Leaves are one of the plant organs that grow from twigs, usually green (containing chlorophyll) and

mainly function as
a catcher of energy from sunlight for photosynthesis. In general, growth includes increasing number (cell division), size increase
(cell expansion), and differentiation.
Leaf area is an important parameter for studying physiology and agronomy in relation to plant growth. There are many
methods for measuring leaf area of plants. The method that is widely used is by using leaf area meters, planimeters, gravimetric,
photography, and there are still several other methods. Another method that can be used and does not damage plants is
through a mathematical approach.
The leaf area index is an illustration of the ratio of leaf surface to the area of land occupied by plants. Plant growth
rates are influenced by the net assimilation rate and leaf area index. The high net assimilation rate and optimum leaf area index
increase plant growth
According to Guswanto (2009), there are several ways to determine leaf area as follows:
1. Millimeter Paper Method
This method uses millimeter paper and drawing equipment to measure leaf area. The leaf area is estimated based on the
number of boxes contained in the leaf pattern.
2. Gravimetry
This method uses scales and oven dryers. The leaf area is estimated based on the comparison of the replica weight of the leaf
with the total weight of the paper.
3. Planimeter
Planimeter is a tool that is often used to measure an area with irregular and large shapes such as maps.
4. Length Times Width Method
The method used for leaves with regular shape, leaf area can be estimated by measuring the length and width of the leaves.

Gravimetry in chemistry is one of the analytical chemistry methods to determine the quantity of a substance or
component that has been known by measuring the weight of components in a pure state after going through the separation
process.
This method in principle leaf area is estimated by weight (gravimetric) ratio. This can be done first by drawing a leaf
that will be estimated on a piece of paper, which produces a replica (imitation) of the leaf. The leaf replica is then cut from
paper that has known weight and breadth. The leaf area is then estimated based on the comparison of the replica weight of
the leaf with the total weight of the paper
Finkeldey, R. 2005. An Introduction to Tropical Forest Genetics. Diterjemahkan Djamhuri, E. et.al. Pengantar
Genetika Hutan Tropis. Bogor : ASEAN-EU University Network Programme (AUNP).

Gardner, F. P ; R. B. Pearce dan R. L. Mitchell., 2007. Fisiologi Tanam

Sheimy, Naser. 2001. Lecture Notes : Adjustment Computation. Department of Geomatics Enginering, The
University of Calgary.

Wolf, Paul R & Ghilani, Charles D. 2002.Elementary Surveying : An Introduction to Geomatics. New Jersey
:Prentice Hall.
 DICCUSION
C. Factors that influence leaf area are:
1. Hot weather factors: in hot weather it will cause dryness and increased dust particles, where the dust will cover the stomata,
so that if the stomata is covered it will inhibit photosynthesis, so the leaves will be smaller compared to normal weather.
2. Soil nutrition factors: As we know that plants are also the same as humans, if we are given enough food it will look healthier
when compared to those who rarely eat then plants are the same. The more food the leaves will be wider when compared to
the leaves with less nutrients.
3. Leaf shade factor: Shading plays a role in differences in leaf width. On the leaves of a thick and broad area, the leaves will
get bigger
D. Weaknesses and strengths of each method
a) Millimeter Paper Method
Strengths: applied quite effectively to leaves with relatively simple and regular leaf shapes. Leaves are drawn on millimeter
paper which can be easily done by placing leaves on millimeter paper and leaf patterns are followed. Leaf width is estimated
based on the number of boxes contained in the leaf pattern.
Disadvantages: the time needed to measure a leaf area is relatively long, so this is not practical enough to be applied if the
number of samples is large.
B. The role of leaves:
1. as photosynthesis, the main function of leaves in each plant is basically the same, namely functioning as a place to process
food substances. The process of processing nutrients in leaves is called photosynthesis.
2. As a respiratory organ, stomata found on two leaf surfaces serve as a place for gas exchange (breathing). Stomata takes
CO2 from the air, as photosynthetic material and secretes O2 as a result of photosynthesis.
3. As a Transpiration Process Place. When plants are lacking or excess water, then the substance of the traffic or cuticles found
on the surface of the leaf can do the evaporation process from plant tissue through the stomata.
4. Storage of food, leaves also function as food storage organs for a while or for the long term.
5. Induction of flowers. Florigen is a hormone to induce the formation of flowers. Therefore the function of leaves also affects
the flower induction.
A. Compare the leaf area with the method used, and choose which method is more accurate
In this EXPERIMENT, we use 2 methods, namely the gravimetric method and the direct method (using millimeters). In the
results using the gravimetric method leaf area is greater than the direct method, and the results are more accurate than the
direct method. because the gravimetric method is easier to use and is related to the number of leaves, this method can be used
for a large number of leaves although it still has to be time consuming but different from other methods such as the millimeter
paper method, which is slightly more complicated and unsuitable for a large number of leaves so that it will take longer than
the gravimetric method.

PERPOSE
1. Knowing the technique or method of measuring leaf area
2. Know which method is most appropriate for measuring leaf area
3. Knowing the role of leaves in general
4. Knowing the effect of light on leaf area
CONCLUSION
. technique or method for measuring leaf area by using the paper mellimeter method or directly, and the technique of
calculating leaf area using the gravimetric method
2. The most appropriate method to use is the gravimetric method because this method is very easy and suitable for measuring
large amounts of leaves.
3. The role of leaves is as: Places of Photosynthesis, As Respiration Tools, Vegetative Reproductive Tools, Regulating the
Transpiration Process and, Gut Prose
4. Effect of light on leaf area, which is increasingly shaded by a plant, the thicker or larger the leaf surface on the plant, on the
other hand if the plant is in the open, the leaf area will be smaller.