Have you ever looked up from your garden and wondered if the bottom leaves, those hidden in the shade of the canopy, really don’t need light?
As controlled environments improve their cultivation techniques, the role of under-canopy lighting will undergo significant changes. It is becoming increasingly popular in modern gardening.
Its potential use in greenhouses, either as the main light source when there is no overhead lighting or as a supplement when root temperatures are low, brings new opportunities for growers. Under-canopy lighting is like bringing sunlight to these forgotten corners, allowing every leaf to bask in the light.
Why do I think this topic is worth discussing? Because I’ve noticed that many gardening enthusiasts may not yet realize the benefits of under-canopy lighting.
In this article, I want to explore the world of under-canopy lighting and see how it can help plants grow better.
These benefits are not just for growing weeds; they also offer exciting possibilities for high-value crops with dense lower canopies.
Canopy lighting is a strategic way to illuminate the overlooked lower parts of plants.
While traditional gardening practices have focused mainly on overhead lighting, recent advances in technology and our better understanding of plant biology highlight the critical importance of properly lighting the lower areas.
This realization has led to the adoption of innovative under-canopy lighting solutions, such as our GB21 series. These advancements aim to provide comprehensive lighting coverage, ensuring that every part of the plant gets the light it needs for optimal growth and development.
When growing plants on benches or racks, the limited sunlight reaching below the top canopy often hinders the growth of lower buds and leaves. Recognizing this challenge, it becomes crucial to install grow lights under the canopy to optimize plant growth.
In plant cultivation, canopy lighting plays a vital role. It promotes the growth of buds on lower branches and reduces the need for labor-intensive pruning.
Additionally, this form of lighting can significantly improve the overall quality of the plants by enhancing the structure, density, and color of C and B buds. It can also increase yields by up to 60%, making it a valuable addition to any indoor farming facility.
This approach not only maximizes light exposure for all parts of the plant but also ensures a more efficient and productive growth cycle.
Cannabis is a crop with a unique dense lower canopy and tight spacing. Through this enlightening journey, we have learned that under-canopy lighting provides significant value for cannabis operations.
Traditional top lighting can leave lower leaves in the shade. Under canopy LED grow lights ensure all parts of the plant get enough light. A study in a horticulture journal found that LED grow lights increased photosynthesis in lower leaves by 15%.
Good light helps make more chlorophyll, which is good for photosynthesis. One experiment showed that under-canopy lights increased chlorophyll levels by about 10%, making the plants healthier.
Under-canopy lights reduce shaded areas, which helps lower humidity and prevent mold and bacteria. A report in an applied microbiology journal said that under-canopy lights reduced gray mold by 25%.
Under-canopy lights allow for multi-layer growing, using vertical space better. A case study found that under-canopy lights increased plant density by 40% in the same area.
Good light helps plants flower better. One experiment found that under-canopy lights increased the number of flowers by 18% and improved their quality.
Continuous and optimized light from under-canopy lights can speed up the growth cycle. A study found that under-canopy lights shortened the time from seed to harvest by about 10 days.
This is a revolution under the canopy, and it will be interesting to see how it evolves as controlled environments improve.
We may see many new opportunities for under-canopy lighting in greenhouses, where it can be used as supplementary lighting when there is no overhead lighting or when root temperatures are low.
From custom light planning, to tailored quotes, and everything in between, our team of horticulture experts are always ready to assist.
Vanten LED
Guzhen, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
WhatsApp: +86 180 2409 6862
Email: info @ vantenled.com
We are a professional LED plant light manufacturer, committed to using technology to enhance the maximum potential of the lamp, continuously maximizing the benefits for growers, and saving energy for the planet.