Plants use all the visible wavelengths lights for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a plant's physiological process where carbon dioxide and water is converted into sugars and oxygen. Ironically, plants do not need the green light wavelength; they only look green because they reflect that part of the spectrum. Now, a research center in Yorkshire is exploring how plants grow without green light. In other words, they are studying how plants grow absorbing only red and blue light ultimately appearing black. This new method is known as "LED framing" and allows investigators to grow crops in various amounts of red and blue light. The special LED lights will not burn the leaves of plants (unlike normal light bulbs). They are also more economical which make them 30% more efficient than conventional lighting. Researchers also hope that this new method of LED farming might provide much-needed backup for conventional farming.
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MAY 05, 2018
LED Farming: New Method of Growing Crops
Plants use all the visible wavelengths lights for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a plant's physiological process where carbon dioxide and water is converted into sugars and oxygen. Ironically, plants do not need the green light wavelength; they only look green because they reflect that part of the spectrum. Now, a research center in Yorkshire is exploring how plants grow without green light. In other words, they are studying how plants grow absorbing only red and blue light ultimately appearing black. This new method is known as "LED framing" and allows investigators to grow crops in various amounts of red and blue light. The special LED lights will not burn the leaves of plants (unlike normal light bulbs). They are also more economical which make them 30% more efficient than conventional lighting. Researchers also hope that this new method of LED farming might provide much-needed backup for conventional farming.