Hydrolife Magazine August/September 2017 [USA Edition]

grow
“The spectrum to produce higher PPF does
not necessarily contain the best components
of light that allow all plants to flourish,
especially cannabis. In other words,
not all micromoles are created equal.”
How Else Should Lighting be Measured
and Compared?
Plant biologically active radiation (PBAR) also known as
yield photon flux (YPF), uses the McCree Curve to weight
spectrum. It encompasses UVA and the far red (700-800 nm)
spectra, making it a better choice for evaluating light sources
used for growing plants. There have been numerous studies
that plants need some level of UV. Too much, and they can
overdose on it, wilt, or even die off.
While PBAR, also in micromoles per second, appears to be
much better, the fear is that it is being passed over as the
measurement by which lighting for plant growth will be
measured and compared. Photosynthetic photon flux seems to
be the preferred metric. It is anticipated state governments and
utilities will likely adopt the PPF recommendation of 1.6 μmol/J
as the minimum level of acceptable light for indoor cultivation
of plants. No different than a 100 LPW streetlight. In fact, most
100 LPW streetlights will meet the 1.6 μmol/J threshold. That
means growers can purchase a dozen LED street lights or
parking lot lights, get a rebate, and then try to grow their crop.
So Where Does That Put the Industry
if it Goes the Way of PPF?
No one is absolutely sure how the standards and subsequent
regulations will all materialize. There has been much
discussion and deliberation on the subject.
There are those that believe intensity, spectrum, and
uniformity should be considered in this standard. Using just
an energy-efficient metric like PPF would not be optimum
for plant growth. Just like you wouldn’t base your entire car
purchase on miles per gallon.
Products that feature intensity, spectrum, and uniformity will
likely succeed in the long run, especially in hobby markets
where energy efficiency rebates from utilities may not drive
the buying decision. Those who choose intensity, spectrum,
and uniformity will be giving their plants and themselves the
best opportunity to maximize their crop output in terms of quality
and quantity. And while PBAR is a much better term to characterize
a broader spectrum than PPF, it’s not the end of the
story for what plants need to grow vibrantly and vigorously.
EYE HORTILUX, a division of EYE Lighting International, focuses
on designing and manufacturing quality grow lamps, ballasts,
and lighting systems that produce supplemental or artificial light
for indoor plant growth. EYE HORTILUX grow lamps are used in a
wide variety of applications including the home hobbyist, agricultural
universities and educational programs, plant physiological
research, biotechnology and pharmacology industries, greenhouses,
and plant factories.
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grow. heal. learn. enjoy.
myhydrolife.com