As the popularity of indoor and greenhouse agriculture continues to grow, so does the demand for efficient and effective lighting solutions. For many growers, both established and newcomers, determining the optimal light spectrum for growing crops can be a challenging task that requires a thorough understanding of the different spectral regions and their effects on plant growth, yield, and crop quality. With the advent of LED lighting, the capability to fine-tune the light spectrum has never been more excellent, making it an increasingly important tool for growers.
In this review by Stamford et al., 2023, the fundamental roles of the significant spectral regions in plant growth are examined, including ultraviolet (UV), blue, green, red, and far-red light. The effects of each of these regions on plant growth, yield, and crop quality, as well as the potential benefits of applying them in isolation or combination, are explained.
The first part of this review focuses on plant responses to light stimuli and the potential benefits for growers. Light plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. Understanding the different spectral regions correctly can help growers manipulate the light spectrum to achieve specific growth effects. LED lighting allows growers to precisely control the light spectrum, making it an essential tool for optimizing plant growth and yield.
Stamford et al., 2023 also discuss how LED lighting can manipulate plant growth and development to improve crop productivity and value. For example, blue light promotes vegetative growth, while red light promotes flowering and fruiting. By combining these two spectral regions, growers can create a light spectrum that promotes vegetative growth and flowering, resulting in increased crop productivity and value.
In addition, essential LED light “recipes” that growers can use to deliver specific growth effects are provided, along with an easy-to-use visual reference guide by Stamford et al., 2023. The guide will help growers quickly and easily determine the optimal light spectrum for their crops based on their species and variety.
The second part of this review by Stamford et al., 2023 explores the impact of light treatments on crop productivity. This includes considering the ongoing costs of various light treatments modeled using UK electricity pricing. While increased productivity is an important goal for growers, it is also important to consider the costs associated with different light treatments and to weigh the benefits against the charges.
Read the complete review here.
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