Sunlight free greenhouses…?
Recent developments by British scientists have found that plants do not require ordinary daylight in order to grow and have created bespoke lighting to enhance the production of food.
The new LED indoor greenhouse development uses specific wavelengths of led lights to encourage growth, taste and improve shelf life of fruits and vegetables. An experiment undertaken by Biologists at the Stockbridge Technology Centre (STC) found that plants flourished when exposed to red and blue light and found that by changing the colour of the bulb the flavour of the produce is improved. Because LED lights give off very little heat plants can be stacked in racks for added production, which reduces the need for chemical additions during the growing process.
Only 50% of the food eaten in the UK is produced in the UK with a substantial amount of fruit and veg imported from warmer climates such as Spain, Italy and Africa. With the new indoor LED greenhouse it could be possible for these products to be grown in the UK, all year round. With plans to develop the greenhouses in warehouses and derelict buildings in urban areas the produce can be delivered to local shops meaning the freshness of the produce will be improved for the consumer.
It is believed that the precise concoction of red, blue and ‘far-red’ lights can alter the shape and habit of plants, keep an eye out for yellow carrots in the not too distant future!
Not only are the benefits of the LED indoor greenhouse great for year round fresh produce the LED light draws much less electricity than the standard sodium light resulting in lower costs and a greener environment
