led grow lights have changed the scope of agriculture. Now, different light spectrums which are needed for different plant growth stages can be provided accurately. For commercial growers, it is empirically proven that led grow lights can positively or negatively affect crop yield, and quality while being energy efficient. In this case, various led grow light spectrum are detailed along with the right steps to choose the most fitting for your crops.

Sources Of Discrepancy In LED grow light spectrums

LED grow lights outperform conventional coloration by utilizing specific wavelengths that are delivered adequately to plants at all periods of their growth. Light spectrums can be blue, red or full spectrums with the latter being more effective. Vegetative light support can be found in blue light which will foster development in plants with healthy leaves and stems yet the color red assists in the production of seeds and fruits. Full spectrum LED's have a combination of blue and red lights and other colors which imitates sunlight to facilitate growth.

Blue Spectrum LED Lights for Vegetative Growth

Blue spectrum light is in the wavelength range of 400-500 nm and is highly effective in improving the young plants at the vegetative stage. This light helps plants to grow taller which makes it more suited for crops that are grown for their foliage or are still at the developmental stage. Such crops as lettuce, and kale and herbs do not have a blue spectrum, which is beneficial for the late flowering stage for proper leaves to grow which can absorb chlorophyll. However, too much blue light may not be ideal for later stages of growth as it will restrict flowering and fruiting.

Red Spectrum LED Lights for Flowering and Fruiting

Flowers and fruits are only produced in red light, starting with wavelengths from around 600 nm to 700 nm. The red light helps the production of such plant hormones that enable flowers and flowering to occur. This is beneficial, especially for tomato, pepper, and strawberry farmers. Red light also assists in the elongation of the stem and promotes the growth and formation of flowers and fruits. For commercial farmers, especially those who focus on yield crops or focus on the flowering or fruiting part, red spectrum LEDs are a big plus in maximizing output production. Care should be taken as well, plants that are exposed to too much red light will need some blue light to prevent them from becoming too tall.

Full-spectrum LED lights for an even growth

Full-spectrum LED grow lights are designed to serve as substitutes for the sun as they have a balanced combination of blue, red, green, and sometimes even UV and infrared light. This spectrum acts as a complete package as it essential for a plants growth in every phase. Full-spectrum LEDs are particularly suited for diversified growing areas as many crops can be grown at the same time. They are good for commercial farms that require an adaptable environment for continuous farming throughout the year. However, full-spectrum LEDs can be relatively expensive, but in return, they promote better quality crops and reduce the frequency of light changes as the plants develop.

Determining the Ideal Spectrum for Your Plants

When trying to narrow down which spectrum of LED grow light to buy, one must think about the crop that they are growing as well as the specific growth stages:

Vegetative Crops (e.g., leafy greens, herbs): It is advisable to use blue spectrum or full-spectrum LED grow lights for leaf and stem development.

Flowering and Fruiting Crops (e.g. tomatoes, peppers): Red spectrum LEDs or full-spectrum lights can also be utilized to assist with flowering and feeding to make the best out of the fruit production.

Mixed Crop Environments: Because of their adaptability, full-spectrum LED grow lights can be used to grow a wide variety of crops throughout all of their growth stages.

Conclusion

It is suggested that the selection of the correct light spectrum for the LED grow light can enhance the quality and quantity of crops in commercial agriculture practices. Vegetative growth can be enhanced with blue spectrum lights, flowering stage is characterized by the use of red spectrum lights, and full spectrum LEDs serve all growth stages with more possibilities. This way, it is possible to adapt the LED spectrum to particular requirements of crops and develop a cost-effective, highly productive and ecologically friendly ICC.