Bad weather and smog not only affect the human
body but also crops.
With increasing number of days of severe weather
conditions, researchers found a way to protect
plant growth by the use of supplemental lighting.
Kim Mok-yeon sheds light on their discoveries.
This greenhouse, located in Hwaseong city
in Gyeonggi-do Province turns on all the lights
installed at the ceiling during cloudy days.
The lights not only enhance photosynthesis
but also improve crop quality, keep production
on schedule and reduce the length of their
growing cycle.
“The amount of clouds and fine dust particles
affects the photosynthesis of plants and make
them grow weak.
We can improve the quality and quantity of
such plants by supplying them with strong
light.“
Researchers held an experiment by supplying
vegetables with artificial light during the
winter season and found that production of
cucumbers increased by 2 times and tomatoes
by 30 percent.
The artificial light increases the overall
temperature of the greenhouse and protects
the plants from pests.
The use of supplementary lights is also expected
to increase farm income by up to 50 percent
even when considering the installation and
electricity costs.
“We will distribute a supplementary lighting
manual for major crops to farms.
Explanations on the economical benefits will
also be included.”
Researchers are gearing up efforts to seek
for ways to reduce the costs of supplementary
lighting to further promote its usage.
Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News.
