Dynamic LED Lighting in Horticulture

In the verdant world of horticulture, light is life. Among growers, LED grow lights have become a staple, serving either as supplements or as the primary source of light for plants. The days of relying on fixed spectrum and intensity lighting are behind us, thanks to the advancements in LED technology. These lights now offer the flexibility to tailor the light spectrum and adjust intensity.

However, despite these advancements, fixed LED spectrum fail to account for the nuances of different species and their unique light requirements at different stages. They also overlook the dynamic changes in sunlight intensity and spectrum throughout the day and across seasons. So that is where dynamic LED lighting comes in.

With the adjustable composition of the chosen spectrum, dynamic LED lighting mimics the natural rhythms of sunlight and creates an ideal environment for crops to thrive. This dynamic approach not only enhances plant quality but also maximizes yields.

In this blog, we will delve into the concept of dynamic LED lighting and explore its benefits in horticulture.

What is dynamic LED lighting?

When you hear “dynamic LED lighting”, you might conjure up images of vibrant, flashing lights adorning nighttime for decorative purpose. However, in the realm of horticulture, dynamic LED lighting refers to LED grow lights that feature the ability to adjust their spectral output and intensity. These dynamic LED lights offer precise control of light spectrum and intensity to mimic the natural sunlight, from sunrise to sunset, catering to the specific needs of plant growth and development.

Beyond simple dimming and spectral tunability, some dynamic lighting systems also incorporate real-time control and multi-zone technology. These provide growers significant flexibility and control over their lighting environment, allowing them to create optimal conditions for their crops' health and productivity.

What are differences between static and dynamic LEDs?

Light spectrum

• Static LEDs: Emit a fixed spectrum of light. These lights typically focus on a full spectrum that is crucial for photosynthesis, but offer no flexibility in adjusting the light recipe.
• Dynamic LEDs: You can adjust the composition of the chosen spectrum of dynamic LEDs to match the needs of specific plants and growth stages.

Control

• Static LEDs: Limited control over the light spectrum. Once you purchase the static LED grow lights, the light spectrum remains the same throughout their life cycle.
• Dynamic LEDs: Offer control over the light recipe. You can adjust the light spectrum throughout the day and growth cycle to improve plant development.

Costs

• Static LEDs: Generally less expensive upfront cost compared to dynamic LEDs
• Dynamic LEDs: Have a higher initial cost due to the more complex technology involved.

Benefits of dynamic LED lighting in horticulture

Dynamic LED lighting is a powerful tool for growers to unlock the full potential of their plants. From providing lighting that precisely matches plant needs, simplifying installation and operation, to saving energy and reducing costs, dynamic lighting offers multiple benefits.

Adjustable light intensity for energy savings

Dynamic LED grow lights offer a remarkable advantage through their dimmable feature, enabling growers to provide optimal lighting for their plants while reducing energy consumption and electricity bills. This feature is particularly beneficial in greenhouse settings, where LED grow lights are utilized to supplement natural lighting. Given the varying locations of greenhouses, some may require supplemental lighting in September, while others might still enjoy high levels of natural light. Moreover, the desired light intensity fluctuates throughout the day and across seasons. Dynamic lighting, with adjustable light output, significantly reduces energy waste and contributes to substantial energy savings.

Furthermore, adjustable light intensity also accommodates the varying developmental stages of plants. Younger plants require less light, while their lighting needs increase as they grow. Our LED grow lights are dimmable and come with four light intensity settings. You can adjust the light intensity from 100%, 75%, 50%, to 25%, providing sufficient lighting for plants without causing them harm through excessive brightness.

Variable spectrum match specific needs

In a greenhouse or vertical farming environment, multiple plant varieties are often cultivated. These plants have diverse lighting requirements. For instance, a white rose may require different lighting with darker-colored species. Similarly, the lighting needs of crisp lettuce might differ from the preferences of pungent arugula or aromatic basil.

Furthermore, a plant's lighting demands evolve as it progresses through various growth stages. During the vegetative phase, many plants benefit from an increased proportion of blue light, which promotes robust leaf and stem development. However, as the plant transitions into the flowering stage, a greater emphasis on red light becomes advantageous, as it aids in the formation of vibrant blooms and enhances fruit production.

Dynamic lighting systems with spectral tuning capabilities can seamlessly cater to these changing requirements, providing the optimal light recipe for each growth phase. Take one of our customized lighting solutions - four channels adjustable spectrum LED grow light as an example. This variable spectrum LED grow light has 4 spectrum channels: white light, deep red, UVA, and far red. Growers can adjust the grow light to emit white light, deep red light, UVA, or far-red light solely. They can also control the grow light to emit all colors together. 

Flexible control for easier operation

Dynamic lighting offers remarkable flexibility for growers, enabling them to adapt the color spectrum and light intensity to match the specific needs of their plants. By controlling these factors, growers can influence the taste, color, texture, and nutrient content of their crops. Furthermore, the addition of timing functions allows growers to control the light spectra and light intensity at specific times. This not only ensures the correct photoperiod for plants but also reduces energy waste. Growers can control these features through a mobile app, giving them the ability to manage their lighting from anywhere, at any time. This flexible control contributes to a more convenient and streamlined operation, empowering growers to optimize their crops' growth and quality with precision.

Simplify installation and reduce costs

In a greenhouse or vertical farming environment, crop rotation is a common practice. They may grow tomatoes this year, cucumbers next year, and strawberries after that. The lighting system needs to accommodate these changes. To accommodate these changes, the lighting system must be adaptable. Traditionally, growers would need to purchase and install new lighting systems for each new crop, which can be a costly endeavor. However, with dynamic lighting systems, growers can keep up with these crop rotations without having to overhaul their entire lighting installations. These systems offer variable spectrum capabilities, allowing growers to adjust the light spectrum to suit the specific needs of different crops at different points in time. This flexibility is a significant advantage over static lighting modules, which are designed for a specific crop and cannot be easily modified. Moreover, dynamic lighting systems can significantly reduce labor costs associated with setting up new lighting for each crop rotation.