Optimizing Light Quality for Vertical Farming and Horticultural Systems

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 167

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Division of Horticultural Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
Interests: light quality; light emitting diode; photosynthesis; vertical farm; plant factory
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Guest Editor
Department of Practical Education, Jeonju National University of Education, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
Interests: abiotic stress; antioxidant; phytochemical; plant defense mechanisms; plant physiology; UV light

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Vertical farming systems, also called plant factories, are indoor plant growth systems. In a vertical farm, plants are grown in a closed system, which can be controlled by environmental factors. Light is the primary source of energy for plants, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) make plants efficient and allow for year-round production. Thus, there is a need for the development of innovative artificial lighting to optimize the light environment. Optimizing light quality in vertical farming involves several strategies to enhance plant growth, quality, and light use efficiency.

Key approaches include the following:

  • LED Technology: advanced LED grow lights reduce energy consumption and provide tailored light spectra for different plant species.
  • Variable Light Recipes: adjusting light spectra throughout the growth stage can optimize plant growth rates and improve yield and/or quality.
  • Light Intensity Control: maintaining optimal light intensity levels prevents plant stress and ensures plant growth.
  • Light Distribution: efficiently distributing light within vertical farming systems ensures plants receive adequate irradiation for uniform growth.

Prof. Dr. Ki-Ho Son
Dr. Jin-Hui Lee
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • LED technology
  • light recipes
  • light quality
  • light distribution
  • vertical farming
  • plant factory
  • natural light
  • artificial light
  • plant responses to light

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