MJBizMagazine September 2021 Lighting Buyers Guide - 13

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Why Spectrum Matters
It is important to understand how light spectrum affects plant growth and potency
For years, cannabis growers have been
trying to understand the light spectrum
and how each segment affects plant
growth and potency.
Recent research has only complicated
the message on what parts of the spectrum
are most beneficial.
While the sun is obviously the most
efficient light source for plant growth,
we know it isn't always available. That's
why good lighting manufacturers use
the sun as a guide for the spectral output
of their products.
Spectrum
A light spectrum is the many different
wavelengths of energy particles, called
photons, produced by a light source.
Those photons are measured at specific
nanometers (nm) representing a wavelength
of light or band of light energy. Visible
light is the part of the spectrum from
380-780nm. Plants utilize spectral energy
beyond that from 300-800nm, with each
section of the spectrum providing specific
benefits to plant growth.
Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR)
PAR is a range of the spectrum between
400-700nm where photosynthesis occurs.
It consists of the rainbow of colors each
with their own effects to plant growth.
Blue reduces plant stretch and promotes
tight internodal spacing. Green is essential
for canopy penetration and has been
found to enhance the production of chlorophyll.
Yellow helps improve efficiency of
canopy penetration. Red drives photosynthesis
and is used heavily during flower
production.
Beyond PAR
We now know that light beyond PAR is
also beneficial to plants.
Ultraviolet (UV) light gives the plant a
solid base and creates protection. UV
enhances the color, taste, and aroma of
the plant. Far red can have a major effect
on plant shape and size. It promotes plant
stretching, increases plant biomass, and
regulates flowering when used in the right
ratio with red.
Know the Numbers
Beware of false or misleading information
and the way numbers are presented.
Growers are often swayed by numbers
they don't truly understand and many
times the data presented isn't telling a
full story. Manufacturers can provide any
amount of data they choose which in turn
can misrepresent the true performance
of the product. Additionally, many metrics
are actually for human eyes, not plant
growth. Terms like lumens, kelvin and CRI
just don't tell you about the quality of the
spectrum or how well the product will
grow your plants.
Learning to read the spectral distribution
chart of any grow light source is beneficial.
You should know what energy your plants
are receiving and how much of that is
important for plant growth.
It's always best to find a spectrum that is
well-rounded, includes UV and far red, and
mimics the spectrum of the sun as close
as possible.
At EYE HORTILUX, our lighting products range from
HID to LED, high wattage to low wattage and clone to
flower spectrums because we know not everyone grows
the same way. No matter your grow style, we have a
lighting solution to help you grow your own way.
with
CMH 315
SE 600
@hortilux
LED 450-EVS
LED 700-ESib
LED 700-ES
DE 1000-VS
eyehortilux.com/growyourownway
http://eyehortilux.com/growyourownway
MJBizMagazine September 2021 Lighting Buyers Guide

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MJBizMagazine September 2021 Lighting Buyers Guide
