Polytechnic researching light optimization for greenhouses

A team of researchers at the Lethbridge Polytechnic have recently been finding new ways to conserve energy for greenhouse operations by using light optimization.

The project compares industrial LEDs, horticultural LEDs and high-pressure sodium lights on cucumbers, tomatoes and bell peppers to determine the best climate conditions for the plants in an energy and cost-efficient setting.

Dr. Seyed Hashem says they have discovered that HPS lights gave about 10% more plant performance over industrial LEDs but used 40% more energy.

Greenhouses are reportedly already adopting results from the peer reviewed trials on cucumbers. The trials are expected to finish in late 2026.

Landon Hickok

Landon is a recent graduate of the Radio and Television program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton. He previously obtained a diploma for Christian Ministries at Home Church Bible College in Red Deer, Alberta. For years since, he worked on church media with Home Church and later with City Life church in Leduc, Alberta, working on event live-streams and video productions. At NAIT, he was part of the student-run NAIT NewsWatch news program. He led topics ranging from school athletics to local news and international headlines such as the October 7 attack in Israel in 2023. Outside of news, he spent internships in Edmonton sports with the Oilers of the NHL and the Stingers of the CEBL. Now in Lethbridge, he’s here to produce stories to help inform all and to honour Jesus Christ with his work.

Related post