How Does Lighting Impact a Vertical Farm?
Without light, crops would not grow. In a vertical farm, crops are solely reliant on artificial light as growers tend to utilise shipping containers or warehouses that provide access to space close to urban areas to reduce transport emissions and grow where the demand is highest. Crops tend to be grown vertically (hence the name) to maximise space, meaning lights must be installed at every tray level to ensure each crop receives the same amount of light for consistent growing conditions.
The lighting colour and intensity also have a profound impact on crop growth; for example, a plant-friendly spectrum (approximately 400–700 nanometres) encourages crops to grow faster and produce higher yields. The different wavelengths of light produce varying colours; blue and red light (sort and long wavelengths) tend to be used in conjunction. However, different types of crops require varying recipes of light to thrive; therefore, personalised, granular control is needed. Other vertical farm conditions, including factors such as temperature, humidity and water, need to be closely monitored to produce quality, healthy yields. Discover more about the impact of light colour in this blog.
At amBX, we work with growers to aggregate vertical farm data, presenting it in a user-friendly dashboard to improve insight and control. The amBX vertical farming lighting system monitors the lighting as well as Co2, humidity, temperature, irrigation and other factors. We are a cost-effective alternative to the dominant stakeholders in the market. As we are software only, we work with any hardware. This allows growers to select the best lighting hardware, sensors and valves whilst providing them with peace of mind that everything will work together. This dramatically saves costs when setting up or retrofitting a vertical farm.