User:Growcraft/sandbox

LED Grow Lights - Optimum Light Spectrum
Growcraft (talk) 14:46, 22 July 2012 (UTC) Sun light contains many forms of light sources. Some of these are good for plants, some for mammals etc, each has it's own requirements. This article focuses on the light spectrum that is best for plant growth and how new technology can be used to optimize the light source for the hydroponic plant environment.

Plants use a process of photosynthesis to grow, and for millions of years plants have thrived on natural sunlight, warmth, CO2, water and rich soil. Plants have adapted within natures seasonal cycle, in that different conditions promote growth and then flowering. Not all plants are the same, some thrive in direct sunlight and others in shade. Moving a plant that thrives in direct sunlight into shade will kill the plant and vice versa. Generally, Ultra Violet (UV) light is considered toxic to plants. In some cases UV helps. If you are planning on moving your plants into direct sunlight, gradual introduction to UV is recommended, similar to the human tanning process. In summary, you need to consider the right environment for your plants. LED grow lights can be designed specifically for plant growth, by mixing LEDs of different light / frequency to produce a light source optimised for specific plants and seasons that promote growth or bloom.

White light is a mixture of colours in the visible spectrum. The visible colours of light from shortest to longest wavelength are as follows; violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has a shorter wavelength than the visible violet light. Infra-red radiation has a longer wavelength than visible red light.