IMPORTANCE OF SPECTRUM IN ARTIFICIAL LIGHT CROPS
Light is the source of life, first for plants and then for all living things. The primary source of light is the sun, and we must not forget it for two simple reasons: it's the best and it's inexpensive.
In protected crops, however, situations have arisen where sunlight must be supplemented by artificial light and others where only artificial light produces photosynthesis and therefore plant growth.
In these crops, the spectrum plays a notable role, not only for growth but also, and above all, for the energy costs that artificial light entails.
The concept of economic sustainability, which underpins every activity, is of fundamental importance in crops that use artificial light, as the failed experiences of crops grown in environments completely devoid of natural light over the last decade have amply demonstrated.
The use of LEDs, whose efficiency has increased significantly in recent years, combined with the ability to recreate any spectrum, allows for many crops to be grown in an economically sustainable manner, both in greenhouses and indoors.
CHOOSING THE SPECTRUM IN LED GROW LAMPS
Without prejudice to the above, regarding the efficiency of LED fixtures for horticulture and floriculture (shape, temperature, materials, placement), the choice of spectrum is another useful element for improving the growth/energy consumption ratio. First, all the spectrums we offer contain all the frequencies needed for photosynthesis, which also results in a more natural environment where all colors are perceptible to operators, resulting in less stress for plants and workers. However, considering that chlorophylls are more easily separated by blue and red light, and that red LEDs are the most efficient, the optimal spectrum consist of a white base with more accentuated blue and, in particular, red frequencies.
The proportion between these components, which identify a given spectrum, is established based on the cultivation, the environment, and, in the case of greenhouses, the latitude.
Therefore, for each situation there is an optimal spectrum and the choice should always be entrusted to an expert, while avoiding, as is often seen, going to extremes.
For example, blue should be no less than 5% or more than 25%; yellow-green no less than 10% and no more than 40%; red no less than 40% and no more than 85%.
We also advise against using other shades below 430 nm or above 680 nm; they are expensive, consume energy, and serve little or no purpose.
