ANSWERS: 1
  • All light travels through space in the form of photons, but not all light contains the same features. The Sun produces the most and best light for plants, but plants can also grow under man-made sources of light.

    Identification

    In general, sunlight produces enough of the necessary wavelengths (those in the red and blue spectrum) for any plant to grow. Artificial light, such as that from a regular light-bulb, usually does not emit enough of the type of light required for photosynthesis, the process plants go through to make their own food.

    Considerations

    Some artificial light sources are designed specifically to induce plant growth; these are called incandescent bulbs. These provide a very close imitation of natural light.

    Features

    The Sun produces light rays with about an equal amount of wavelengths from across the light spectrum, with more intensity. Artificial light focuses on just a few wavelengths.

    Benefits

    While sunlight provides an optimal energy source for plants, some shady or cold climates and indoor environments experience very little sunlight. In this case, only artificial light readily provides the necessary amount of light wavelengths.

    Tips

    In order to minimize the differences between artificial light and sunlight, growers should consider purchasing a a metal halide lamp--this is the highest quality grow lamp, but costs about $300 in 2009. Fluorescent bulbs are much cheaper, at around $20, and are good for beginning horticulturalists.

    Source:

    EarthSky.org: Do plants grow as well under artificial light?

    GrowingEdge.com: Light

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy