The Advanced Lighting Behind Urban Agriculture
Creative use of space and cutting-edge lighting technology come together to meet the intensifying need for food production.
By TCP Lighting
July 2022
Excerpt:
Advanced LED horticulture lights increase crop yields and maximize the benefits—and profits—of indoor agriculture. The higher an operation’s crop output, the quicker the operation recoups its initial investment.
Light spectrum, in addition to key design elements, is of utmost importance for creating a strong return on investment.
Increase yields with far-red light
New research about the important effects of far-red light on crop yields have set a new gold standard for horticulture lights.
Until recently, far-red light was considered inconsequential to plant growth. New research by Dr. Shuyang Zhen has revealed the powerful effect far-red light wavelengths have on a plant’s photosynthetic rate. Lettuce grown under far-red light produced 30% more biomass.
Currently, the standard for horticulture lighting is a combination of red and blue light, or full-spectrum white light.
Based on Zhen’s findings, exposure to far-red light in addition to these standard wavelengths will increase yields and shorten production times for indoor farming operations.
For indoor farming operations, this means investing in LED grow lights with far-red wavelengths will boost profits for a more successful project and greater ROI.
