Part 1: Ensuring the Optimal Climate, Lighting, and Spacing

· Lighting selection and design-in

Step 1: Optimize the climate conditions

Step 2: Fine-tune the lighting

Once the climate conditions are optimal, achieving the highest crop yields becomes the next focus. Extensive research has been conducted on the optimal light intensity for specific crops or varieties. However, yield is not always the sole determining factor. For example, red oak lettuce grown outdoors tends to yield less but turns red due to sunlight or temperature stress. In contrast, when grown indoors with limited UV light, it stays mostly green but grows rapidly. At Philips Lighting's GrowWise Center, plant specialists develop tailored light and growth recipes for specific crops. For instance, a specialized light recipe can transform a mostly green head of red oak lettuce into a dark red lettuce in just three days. By applying such recipes as a pre-harvest treatment, growers can significantly increase yields and achieve desired appearances. Collaborating with breeding companies allows for the development of crop varieties that enhance differentiation based on taste, quality, or color.

Step 3: Optimize plant spacing

Another strategy to improve crop yield per unit of light is by optimizing plant spacing. Proper spacing ensures that each plant receives an optimal amount of light, effectively illuminating the plants rather than the shelves they are grown on. Understanding the ideal spacing strategy can help determine whether investing in spacing robots is cost-effective by comparing the additional yield achieved to the automation investment required. Our vertical farm projects offer advice on the best spacing strategy and light recipe for each crop, enabling growers to decide between manual spacing or automated solutions. Additionally, our collaboration with leading breeders in the industry facilitates the selection of crop varieties that meet specific requirements.