LEDs as supplemental light for improved plant quality in layer plant production in greenhouses
Challenge
Jeffery’s Greenhouses Inc. grows a wide variety of ornamental plants with approximately 10 acres of greenhouse production. Greenhouse growers maximize growing space by planting in layers, which has its limitations based on light availability. There is often a compromise due to light levels required by several bedding plants in order to achieve maximum quality.
Solution
The team explored the use of supplementary LED lights to compensate for the light being filtered by the top canopy. Common top canopy species were selected, the canopy light filtering characteristics were determined and LED combinations that will allow for improved plant health were tested and compared.