Shaping and Tuning Lighting Conditions in Controlled Environment Agriculture: A Review

• Published in: ACS agricultural science & technology Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 3 - 16
• Main Authors: Neo, Darren Chi Jin, Ong, Maxine Min Xin, Lee, Yeong Yuh, Teo, Ee Jin, Ong, Qunya, Tanoto, Hendrix, Xu, Jianwei, Ong, Kian Soo, Suresh, Vignesh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Chemical Society 21.02.2022
• Subjects: light spectrum; controlled environment agriculture; color conversion films; sustainability; urban farms
• ISSN: 2692-1952; 2692-1952
• DOI: 10.1021/acsagscitech.1c00241

Light is one of the most important ingredients for healthy plant growth. It is also responsible for triggering a number of plant physiological responses. For centuries, humans have relied on sunlight and good climate for ideal crop growth. As such, extensive research has been carried out to study how to mimic sunlight or even better. Armed with modern technology, farmers can now gain greater control over light management in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Growing plants in CEA requires delivering the required photons to the plant via artificial means: by redirecting sunlight indoors, by employing artificial lights, or by using a hybrid lighting system. Using artificial lights, the required energy for photosynthesis can be provided regardless of sunlight availability. This Review describes and assesses various artificial grow light technologies, solar spectral shaping and redirection, and hybrid lighting technologies to generate high and consistent crop yield in CEA. In addition, this Review also captures the recent advances in the use of color conversion films in manipulating light spectrum to cater to the growth of plants.