A new web app is available to calculate the light intensity and photoperiod required to achieve a certain daily light integral for plant growth for an electric light source, such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes). In the app, you enter any two of the three items to calculate the third unknown value. For example, enter light intensity and photoperiod to calculate daily light integral. The English/Spanish language app was designed by Dr. Paul Fisher of University of Florida IFAS Extension and Dr. Bruce MacKay of Thomas Baine Ltd. You can access the app here: backpocketgrower.org/constantlightlevels.asp.
“Growers often do these lighting calculations if they use supplemental lighting in a greenhouse, or have sole-source LED lighting in an indoor facility”, says Paul Fisher. He explains how to use the apps in English and Spanish videos at the Greenhouse Training Online YouTube channel (tinyurl.com/UFGTO). “Our industry advisory group in the Floriculture Research Alliance identified the need for this app”.
The app and videos are training materials in the Greenhouse Training Online courses for growers in greenhouse management, including Greenhouse 101 and Hydroponic Vegetable Production (hort.ifas.ufl.edu/training).
For more information, email greenhousetraining@ifas.ufl.edu.
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS
