May 2023 - 11

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING
Extension educators. Key considerations include the
percentages of blue and far-red light. Also, consider
whether dimmability or tuning of the light spectrum are
value-added attributes. An indoor lighting guide provides
research-based information for
seedling production: https://
tinyurl.com/indoor-light.
Efficacy. The conversion
of electricity into light useful
for photosynthesis (efficacy)
is a major performance
indicator for lighting fixtures.
The metric for plant lighting
efficacy, quantified in µmol∙J-1
(micromoles per joule), is
especially important for indoor
lighting. A higher value means
less energy is consumed to
deliver a particular light level and less energy is lost as
heat. In many cases, additional energy is consumed for
refrigeration to expel this waste heat. Therefore, lowefficacy
fixtures require more electricity to deliver light
and to condition the growing environment compared with
higher-efficacy fixtures.
Light uniformity. Equal distribution of light is even more
Equal distribution
of light is even
more important
indoors than in
greenhouses.
important indoors than in greenhouses. The growth and
shape of plants is controlled by light, so spatial variation
in light intensity or light quality usually translates into
variation in plant growth. Work
with a lighting provider to
determine fixture spacing and
mounting height considering
the desired light intensity
and spatial uniformity. Keep
in mind that the output and
directionality of light is very
specific to a particular fixture,
necessitating fixture-specific
lighting layouts.
Durability. Indoor lighting
products should be safety
certified and rated to tolerate
damp conditions, and preferably have at least a five-year
warranty. Another guideline is the light output should be
maintained to at least 90% (referred to as the Q90) after
36,000 hours of use (2,000 days if operated 18 hours per
day). These selection criteria help ensure durability and
performance of indoor lighting fixtures.
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GREENHOUSE PRODUCT NEWS 11
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May 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May 2023
