Shining a light on efficiency and productivity metrics

Added on 14 July 2023

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Shining a light on efficiency and productivity metrics

High-intensity lighting plays a critical role in promoting plant growth and achieving optimal yields. However, selecting the right lighting system for your CEA facility can be challenging, as there are many different light quality, intensity, and efficiency metrics to consider. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), extended PAR (e-PAR), energy use (in watts), photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), and photon efficacy (PPE) are all important items to consider when making a lighting fixture decision.

Here, we explore the various lighting metrics essential for CEA and their impact on the growth and development of indoor- and greenhouse-grown crops and the financial sustainability of your operation.

LIGHT QUALITY METRICS FOR CEA OPERATORS

Light quality is determined by the relative amount of blue, green, red, far-red, and other spectra emitted from a light source. By delivering certain amounts of photons from a particular part of the light spectrum, CEA cultivators can create different morphological and secondary metabolite reactions within their crops.