The Effect of Diffuse Light on Crops

Hemming, S.; Dueck, T.A.; Janse, J.; Noort, F.R. van

doi:10.17660/actahortic.2008.801.158

Cited by 85 publications

(71 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Diffuse light is favourable for crop production and can result in a production increase of 8-10% for cucumber (Hemming et al, 2008a) under Dutch conditions. However if combined with lower light transmission it may be compensated by production losses during periods when light is the limiting factor in winter.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Their radiation characteristics given in Table 1 differ especially in the annual irradiation, the differences between winter and summer and in the direct and diffuse components. Hemming et al (2008a) showed that cucumber production could be potentially increased by 8-10% under a diffuse covering material (50% haze). This result was realised in The Netherlands with about 1080 MJ m -2 direct radiation sum (20-40% of total radiation) ( Table 1).…”

Section: Natural Light Conditions In Different Climatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Hemming et al (2006Hemming et al ( , 2008a, demonstrated production increases of 8-10% for greenhouse cucumber by applying diffusing materials, indicating the advantages of diffusing natural light in greenhouses.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

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Diffuse Greenhouse Covering Materials - Material Technology, Measurements and Evaluation of Optical Properties

Hemming¹,

Mohammadkhani²,

Dueck³

2008

Acta Hortic.

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At high irradiation levels, diffuse greenhouse coverings result in better light distribution, lower crop temperature, decreased transpiration, and increased photosynthesis and growth. Various greenhouse coverings (plastic films, glass panes and temporal coatings) can be used to transform direct light into diffuse light. However, light diffusing properties of materials are hardly known. Optical properties of a wide range of materials are being currently investigated, including direct light transmission under different angles of incidence, transmission for hemispherical light and haze. The potential of diffusing greenhouse covering materials is estimated by analyzing the global radiation data for different climatic regions: marine winter climate (The Netherlands), Mediterranean mild winter climate (Italy) and semi-arid climate (Arizona). The required optical properties differ for the various climates. With modern material technology, the optical properties (haze and light transmission) can be altered to meet the requirements for different climatic regions in order to optimize crop performance in the future.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Natural Light Conditions In Different Climatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Diffuse Greenhouse Covering Materials - Material Technology, Measurements and Evaluation of Optical Properties

Hemming¹,

Mohammadkhani²,

Dueck³

2008

Acta Hortic.

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“…showed that the fresh weight of cucumber fruits was increased by 6.5 to 9.7% under diffuse covering materials compared to a crop grown under a reference clear covering. Potentials are even higher at lower latitudes (Hemming et al, 2008b).…”

Section: Diffuse Lightmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…It was shown in modelling and experimental studies that crops such as fruit vegetables with a high plant canopy as well as ornamentals with a small plant canopy can utilize diffuse light better than direct light. Diffuse light penetrates the middle layers of a high-grown crop and results in a better horizontal light distribution in the greenhouse (Hemming et al, 2008b). Diffuse light is absorbed to a higher degree by the middle leaf layers of cucumber, resulting in a higher photosynthesis.…”

Section: Diffuse Lightmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of Natural and Artificial Light in Horticulture - Interaction of Plant and Technology

Hemming¹

2011

Acta Hortic.

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In intensive horticultural cultivation natural light levels often limit crop production during several periods. For an optimum plant production and product quality light intensity, spectrum and photoperiod have to be adapted to the needs of the crops at every moment. Light has to be optimised together with all other growth factors like temperature, humidity and CO 2 . For a sustainable greenhouse production the use of freely available sunlight has to be preferred. New transparent greenhouse covering materials, like ETFE, glass with new anti-reflection coatings or materials with micro-surface structures, transmit a very high amount of light into the greenhouse. Other new materials are able to scatter the incoming light and make it diffuse. Diffuse light penetrates deeper into the canopy, increases light interception by the crop, influences micro-climate and increases crop production by 6.5-9.2% in The Netherlands, the potential in lower latitudes is even higher. Other materials manipulate light spectrum. Photoselective nettings have been developed in different colours influencing morphogenesis and crop production. Fluorescent plastic films combine effects on morphogenesis with high light transmission, especially important for higher latitudes. When sunlight is optimized it can still be necessary to add artificial light to ensure a year-round supply of horticultural products. There is still room for improving the crop energy efficiency under artificial lighting by changing duration and intensity of lighting, different growing systems and plant densities. Since artificial lighting requires a high amount of energy, new artificial lighting systems have been developed, such as interlighting and light emitting diodes (LED). LED give the possibility for true light spectrum control in the future. The (partial) replacement of HPS lamps by LED systems is currently under investigation in Dutch greenhouses. Integration in current growing systems has full attention. In order to reach a high sustainable and economic beneficial production the factor light has to be integrated and optimized within the total horticultural system.

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