Fluorescent Lighting

Dutch · January 24, 2018

The brightest lights, i.e. highest lumen rating, are not always the best lighting for growing plants. The correct spectrum of light is more important.

The following picture is the light spectrum that most plants can absorb (use for photosynthesis). Please note that most plants are green and do not absorb (use for photosynthesis) much of the green spectrum.

Below is the light spectrum a typical plant can absorb (use for photosynthesis).
Plant Absorbsion Spectrum.jpg

Below is the light spectrum of a typical 4100K fluorescent bulb.
4100K Warmlight Bulb.jpg

Below is the light spectrum of a typical 6500K fluorescent bulb.
6500K Daylight Bulb.jpg

Below is the light spectrum of a typical 8000K fluorescent bulb.
8000K Bluelight Spectrum.jpg

This is why alternating every other bulb with an appropriate K (Kelvin) rating, can provide more light in the spectrum that plants can use for photosynthesis.
Dutch

P.S. You get more ultraviolet rays in 10 minutes outside in the sun than you get in an eight hour day in an office with 8000K lighting.

January 24, 2018	#1
Dutch Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: S.E. Wisconsin Zone 5b Posts: 1,831	Fluorescent Lighting The brightest lights, i.e. highest lumen rating, are not always the best lighting for growing plants. The correct spectrum of light is more important. The following picture is the light spectrum that most plants can absorb (use for photosynthesis). Please note that most plants are green and do not absorb (use for photosynthesis) much of the green spectrum. Below is the light spectrum a typical plant can absorb (use for photosynthesis). Plant Absorbsion Spectrum.jpg Below is the light spectrum of a typical 4100K fluorescent bulb. 4100K Warmlight Bulb.jpg Below is the light spectrum of a typical 6500K fluorescent bulb. 6500K Daylight Bulb.jpg Below is the light spectrum of a typical 8000K fluorescent bulb. 8000K Bluelight Spectrum.jpg This is why alternating every other bulb with an appropriate K (Kelvin) rating, can provide more light in the spectrum that plants can use for photosynthesis. Dutch P.S. You get more ultraviolet rays in 10 minutes outside in the sun than you get in an eight hour day in an office with 8000K lighting. __________________ "Discretion is the better part of valor" Charles Churchill The intuitive mind is a gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant. But we have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift. (paraphrased) Albert Einstein I come from a long line of sod busters, spanning back several centuries. Last edited by Dutch; January 25, 2018 at 08:27 PM. Reason: Added Post Script

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