Grow Lighting 101
LED Diodes Are More Important Than You Think…
Aug
Regardless of condition, weather, or temperature—lighting is the prime factor in promoting plant growth, development, and flowering. Especially in greenhouses or other indoor settings, utilizing the appropriate lighting source is crucial for vegetation’s ability to thrive. Without the presence of natural sunlight, artificial lighting must simulate the components of natural sunshine with consistency and efficiency; often, these kinds of simulation comes in the form of grow light systems, including HPS, HID, and LED systems.
Over time, many food growers and plant cultivators are switching from traditional, bulky, and complicated HPS and HID systems to the latest LED lighting systems. (see our “Retrofitting from Traditional HPS & HID Grow Light System to LED Light Systems” for more information) This is due to the higher performance and efficiency of LED lighting solutions compared to HPS and HID systems; the energy-saving factor of LEDs contributes to a lower electrical operating expense. Furthermore, LED systems have longer life spans, leading to an inexpensive maintenance fee. In addition to the benefits depicted above, other components such as easy installation, product sturdiness, and superior heat dissipation persuaded many cultivation experts to switch to LED growth lights.
When choosing LED growth lights, the quality and features of the individual LED diodes are crucial to the light’s performance as it directly affects the outcome of the vegetation. Avoid using LED grow lights that are a narrow spectrum: which only emit a limited range of blue and red light. A “narrow spectrum” LEDs result in prolonged plant growth, unhealthy leaves, and plant discoloration. On the other hand, white-based full spectrum LEDs (otherwise referred as “broad spectrum” LEDs) include a more complete and plump spectrum with appropriate peaks of red and blue to provide maximum photosynthesis to plants. In addition, “broad spectrum” LED grow lights comprise a green spectrum that assists in photosynthetic transmittance and light penetration through the upper and lower canopies. Together, full spectrum LED grow lights are the most beneficial to plants as they prevent disease, and improve overall plant health, producing heavier crops with a longer shelf life. Moreover, the investment in effective full spectrum LED grow lights pays off quickly over time due to their efficient performance, low energy consumption, and inexpensive operating cost.
CALIVE’s HYDRA LED grow light is a full spectrum grow light (available in 630 watts and 720 watts) ideal for simulating natural sunlight and providing maximum performance. The HYDRA series is a lighting solution for professional and commercial growers who demand efficiency, quality, and an optimized light recipe. With a folding mechanism for easy transportation, HYDRA features a detachable power supply that easily mounts to the side of a rack system. The unique design thermally manages the power supply separately from the LED bars and offers a flexible daisy-chain connection. Its photosynthetic photon efficacy (PPE) can reach 2.8 μmol/J, ensuring a precise and uniform PPF greater than 1,700 μmol/s.
HYDRA LED grow lights are equipped with Samsung’s commercial horticultural white-based broad spectrum LED diodes and OSRAM’s Square Hyper Red High Power Red LEDs; combining the two of the finest diodes in one LED grow light system produces superior capabilities and high-quality results.
Samsungs LED diodes provide a 437 nm wavelength peak: the prime wavelength for delivering the most photosynthesis, growth, and phytonutrients. Due to HYDRA’s use of Samsung diodes, the light has a plant-centric spectrum, which improves cultivation productivity and harvests with superior crop quality.
In addition, HYDRA’s incorporation of OSRAM’s 660 nm high-power red LEDs speeds up the growth cycle and enhances the taste and nutritional value of crops. All of CALIVE HYDRA grow light’s advantages make it the industry-leading product for commercial indoor plant growth.