Vertical Farming LEDs Tuned to Chlorophyll f Extend Photosynthetic Range
Nurnberg D, Morton J, Rutherford A
Urban Ecology
It could soon mean cheaper, faster-growing leafy greens from indoor vertical farms — the kind increasingly supplying supermarkets — with a smaller electricity bill and carbon footprint.
Plants normally use a certain range of light to grow, but researchers discovered that adding a dim reddish light just beyond that range wakes up a special pigment in lettuce leaves that was previously idle. By combining this extra light with regular grow lights, lettuce plants grew much bigger without needing much more electricity. This could make indoor farms — the stacked, warehouse-style growing operations popping up near cities — more productive and cost-effective.
Key Findings
LED lights emitting at 720nm activated a rarely-used photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll f), expanding the plant's usable light range by 15%.
Adding far-red LEDs alongside standard grow lights increased total lettuce biomass by 28%.
The 28% growth boost required only 8% more energy input, representing a strong efficiency gain.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Researchers found that adding a specific type of LED light — tuned to a wavelength plants don't usually use — boosted lettuce growth by 28% while using only 8% more energy, making indoor farming significantly more efficient.
Abstract Preview
LED arrays emitting at 720nm activated chlorophyll f-based photosynthesis in lettuce, extending usable light spectrum by 15%. Combined with standard PAR LEDs, total biomass increased 28% with only ...
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Lettuce is an annual plant of the family Asteraceae mostly grown as a leaf vegetable. The leaves are most often used raw in green salads, although lettuce is also seen in other kinds of food, such as sandwiches, wraps and soups; it can also be grilled. Its stem and seeds are sometimes used; celtu...