How Different Spectra of Light Affect Plant

Growth

Franklin David
Writes about full spectrum LED lights from
LEDFullSpectrum for greenhouse gardening, especially
growing tips using LEDFullSpectrum LED grow lights
It is a fact that plants are dependent on light to generate food, grow and
reproduce. Without light the process of photosynthesis will not take place and
natural growth cycle will not occur. When a plant is under natural lighting
conditions, its growth and development is influenced by the sunlight it receives
which is dependent on season and other environmental factors. Natural light
consists of different wavelengths and color spectrums. They vary in wavelength,
characteristics, and effect plants differently during various stages of their life
cycle. Not all wavelengths present in natural sun light are used in
photosynthesis process. In general, when color and wavelength are considered,
each will have a specific effect on plants. Lets us look at different spectral
compositions of light:
Ultraviolet
UV lights are lights with wavelength between 100nm 400nm. They contain
excess amounts of energy that can damage plant cells if not used properly.
Though the far end radiation nearer to 400nm are helpful in some aspects of
plant development, exposing them too much to UV light can affect the
photosynthesis rate, slowdown the growth process or even damage the seed
development.
Infrared
Infrared light has much longer wavelengths, outside the visible spectrum
which a human eye cannot detect. Since infrared has wavelengths beyond
visible spectrum i.e. between 700 nm - 3000 nm, their energy cannot excite
the plant cells for photosynthesis. Though appropriate levels help in flowering
and stem growth, too much of infrared light particularly the far red end of the
spectrum eventually damage the plant because of the excess heat. Infrared
light either make the plants long stemmed or encourages them to bloom
early.
Visible light
Visible light includes electromagnetic radiation between wavelengths 400nm
to 700nm. The visible spectrum is made of multiple wavelengths with
different colors, containing photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) that is
effective in photosynthesis process. Only specific wavelengths from visible
light are absorbed by plant cells whereas wavelengths that are not absorbed
are reflected or transmitted. For instance the wavelengths of blue and red
from the spectra of visible light are most absorbed by the plants whereas
green is not absorbed but reflected back because the plants themselves are
green due to the pigment Chlorophyll.
What a full spectrum light includes?
Full spectrum includes wavelengths in the visible range along with other
invisible spectra such as ultraviolet and infrared. Full spectrum lights which are
typically used by gardeners for indoor farming replicate natural solar spectrum
with wavelengths corresponding to different colors. Mostly, gardeners rely on
LEDs because they are very effective in producing full spectrum radiation.
LEDs are able to tailor the wavelengths specific to the needs of crops. By
varying the color and spectral outputs, the physical properties of plants can be
controlled at various stages of cultivation.
Effect of each color on plants
Each color in visible light is important and contributes for growth of plants. Of
the entire electromagnetic spectrum, blue and red wavelengths are most
effective in photosynthesis. For example, blue helps in vegetative leaf growth,
whereas, red light combined with blue, helps plant to flower. Green and
yellow lights are less effective compared to other colors but are still invaluable
to natural plant growth. Violet enhance certain specific plant characteristics
such taste & aroma. This way each spectra of the light has a prime importance
in plant growth and development.
About Ledfullspectrum
LEDfullSpectrum design and manufacture high quality energy efficient full
spectrum LED grow lights for indoor plants. LEDfullSpectrum.com offers wide
variety of LED lighting fixtures and systems, specially channelled to the needs
of research and cultivation. Their full spectrum LED lights offer favourable
growth conditions for full-cycle cultivation. For more details on LED lighting
products please visit www.ledfullspectrum.com

Thank you for spending your precious time in reading this article!