Modifying Light Intensity for Optimal Growth in Greenhouses
This guide explores the importance of light intensity and quality in greenhouse settings, focusing on the range of wavelengths (400-800 nm) and intensity levels (100-300 mmol/s/m²) necessary for optimal plant growth. It covers various types of lamps, including incandescent, fluorescent, and high-intensity discharge (HID) options like high-pressure sodium (HPS) and low-pressure sodium (LPS) lamps. The analysis includes commercial applications, benefits for crop quality and efficiency, and practical methods for adjusting light intensity, such as shading compounds and reflective surfaces.
Modifying Light Intensity for Optimal Growth in Greenhouses
E N D
Presentation Transcript
A. Supplementary Artificial Light 1.Light Intensity and Quality • Quality • 400-800 nanometers • Intensity • 100-300 mmols/sec/m2 • 500-2000 ft. cds. • Distance vs. Intensity • decrease the greater the distance
2. Types of Lamps a. Incandescent • primarily red light • point source • short life b. Fluorescent • deficient in red? • 2', 4', 8' lengths • greater uniformity • shadows
c. Combination: -fluorescent lamps -incandescent lamps • complete spectrum • shadows • suitable for growth room
d. High intensity discharge (HID) • Mercury vapor • not used today • Metal halide • good spectrum • lower eff. than HPS & LPS
High Pressure Sodium • high light intensity • 400-1000 watt • eff. conversion of energy • Low Pressure Sodium • narrow band of light • efficient conversion
New Lights for Greenhouses Sulfur and microwave Diode
3. Commercial Application a. Crops • Roses, chrysanthemums, seedlings, lettuce, tomatoes b. Benefits • timing • quality • less prod. time; lower cost • less fuel costs • increasing branching • increased keeping quality • roses; fewer blind shoots
3. Commercial Application (contu.) c. Where used • northern latitudes • growth rooms d. Installation/operating costs • fixture + ballast $150+ • fixture + installation $2.25/sq. ft. • operation: $1.50/sq.ft./yr • depreciation • interest on money borrowed
3. Commercial Application (contu.) e. Management • Greenhouse • HPS • 400watt; spaced 10’ x 10’: 10 ft above plant • 30-60 umols/sec/m2; 280-460 ft.cd. • Oct to Apr • night & cloudy days
Growth room • 20 sq. ft. • 2 ft. above plants • 106 umols/sec/m2: 750 ft.cd. • 7 tubes: @ 40 watts • 200 umols/sec/m2: 1400 ft.cd. • 13 tubes: @ 40 watts
3. Commercial Application (contu.) f. Accumulated light • 200 umol/sec/m2 for 18 hrs. • equals 23 mol/day/m2 • Summer - natural light • 48 mol/day/m2 • Winter - natural light • 19 mol/day/m2
A. Reducing light intensity - Why - External • shading compounds • Latex paint: 1 part to 8-10 parts H2O • Saran cloth • Internal permanent • Saran cloth • Aluminum strips • Internal movable
B. Increasing light intensity • Clean covering • White or reflective surface • Reduce shade producing items