Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.: ABE110 – 2024 - 2025

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Bayombong Campus

DEGREE PROGRAM BSABE COURSE NO. ABE 110

SPECIALIZATION COURSE TITLE AB ELECTRIFICATION AND
CONTROL SYSTEM
YEAR LEVEL BSABE 3 TIME FRAME WK 10-11 IM NO. 5
NO.
I. UNIT TITLE/CHAPTER TITLE –
Chapter 5- Introduction to Agricultural Lighting System

II. LESSON TITLE

Introduction to Agricultural Lighting System

III. LESSON OVERVIEW

1. Principles of Illuminations
2. Types of Agricultural Lighting Systems
3. Fundamentals of Light in Agriculture
4. Applications of Lighting Systems in Agriculture

IV. DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES

V. LESSON CONTENT

Introduction to Agricultural Lighting Systems

This Engineering Practice is intended to guide those responsible for or concerned with, the design of
lighting installations on or within agricultural facilities. This Engineering Practice applies to the effective
performance of workers as they accomplish specific tasks requiring various levels of illuminance and it applies
to lighting installations used to change the physiological or biological properties of livestock, birds, fish and
plants to alter their production capabilities. The lighting recommendations are based on information obtained
from search of current literature, from people and organizations active in this field, and from field
measurements of lighting requirements for difficult seeing tasks.
The importance of lighting in the gestation area has been widely demonstrated and is known to all. The
sows are particularly affected at the end of the year, in autumn, when the intensity and hours of light decrease
progressively, which is commonly known as "decreasing photoperiod”. Although it has been a known factor in
the industry for many years, there are still some cases in which this very basic aspect of the sow's physiology is
not taken care of. One of the main tools to encourage the use of extra lighting equipment in the mating area is
the data analysis, and more specifically the weaning-to-first service interval (W1stS), one of the easiest
parameters to measure in pig production.
 One
of the

features the data analysis highlighted immediately was the strong seasonal effect on the sows in relation to the
weaning-to-first service interval. A problem that was also getting worse year by year, reaching a value of 13
days in September 2016. There was an immediate suspicion of poor lighting in this area of the farm. At the time
of the visit, it is confirmed on site that the entire stall gestation barn had very poor lighting, aggravated by the
use of dark blue fiberglass windows, which should remain almost totally closed at this time of the year due to
the drop in temperatures.

During the visit, it was recommended to install an extra lighting system that could reach 300 lux, with a
timer to guarantee 16 hours of light per day. The extra lighting was implemented during the second week of
October 2017. The gestation barn is divided into two areas (one for multiparous and one for nulliparous) by a
wall and a door. At this time the extra lighting equipment had only been installed in one of the areas, and the
enormous difference in lighting before and after is clearly visible.

Light is considered to be the primary environmental factor that regulates the growth, development,
pigmentation and morphogenesis of plants. When the availability of light is limited due to geographical
location, climate or outdated facilities, the demand for a controlled environment for agriculture arises, which is
met by the use of LEDs as artificial lighting sources for plant growth and development. The use of LEDs has
seen a tremendous jump amongst plant growers due to their efficiency and the low cost of operations. Blue, red,
green, and far-red wavelengths of LEDs have been seen to positively affect the morphology, photosynthetic
efficiency, and flowering in plants in addition to the production of secondary metabolites, thereby protecting
plants against oxidative stress. However, different researchers resort to using different recipes of wavelengths
across different species to obtain optimum results, and the results vary across and within species. Thus, a
combined LED light recipe has to be obtained which will give growers a better and detailed idea of the
different wavelengths and intensities of light to be used. Furthermore, the role of LEDs has been linked to the
activation or suppression of genes related to varied functions, such as bioactive compound synthesis, the
induction or inhibition of flowering, etc. However, the mechanisms behind these interactions between LED
wavelengths and genes have to be elucidated such that there is scope for the alteration or manipulation of such
genes to improve the productivity and quality of crops grown under a variety of LED illuminations. In
conclusion, LED technology holds the key to the future revolution in plant growth and development.

Fundamentals of Lighting Systems

Properties of light: Intensity

Light intensity influences the manufacture of plant food, stem length, leaf color and flowering.
Generally speaking, plants grown in low light tend to be spindly with light green leaves. A similar plant grown
in very bright light tends to be shorter, better branches, and have larger, dark green leaves. We have stated that
light is a wave, suggesting that every ray of light should have an associated wavelength and travel in a straight
line.
Properties of light: Wavelength
The wavelength is the distance between any two successive points on a wave that are in phase (e.g., two
successive crests or two successive troughs). Light waves can have different wavelengths, which determine the
color of visible light that is observed. This means that every time you view a beautiful red rose on a sunny day,
your eyes perceive a reflection of red light from the rose, which has a wavelength of about 650 nm. We can be
more precise now and say that the nature of light is that of a transverse wave. It carries energy from one point
to another, just as all travelling waves do. The word transverse is simply a reference to the fact that electric and
magnetic fields are oscillating (waving), hence the word electromagnetic. White light, like light from the sun,
consists of all the wavelengths of visible light together. We know this because light exhibits a property called
dispersion when passing through a glass prism, as shown in the figure below. White light is dispersed through a
prism into all the colors in the visible spectrum, Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 White light, once
dispersed, gives us all the colors in the visible electromagnetic spectrum, which is what you would see in a
rainbow. Red light has a wavelength of about 700 nanometers (700 x 109 meters), while violet light at the
opposite end of the electromagnetic spectrum has a wavelength of about 380 nanometers.
Properties of light: Duration

Light duration is the photoperiod, or the number of continuous hours of light in each 24-hour period.
Photoperiod regulates flowering in many greenhouse crops, and that is why we have photoperiodic response
categories such as short-day plants and long-day plants. Photoperiod is easy to understand because we are
simply concerned with the number of light hours and the number of darkness hours each day.
Properties of light: Quality

Sophisticated devices called spectroradiometers measure light quality and are expensive to purchase
(often $4,000 or more). However, greenhouse growers usually don’t need to measure light quality because it is
relatively fixed for each light source unless a grower is interested in the light quality under a plant canopy. The
distribution of light and the red to far red ratio for the most common light sources are summarized in Figure.
These values can be useful to predict the impact of different light sources on plant growth. The large amount of
far-red light emitted from incandescent lamps and their low lamp efficiency (radiant yield) illustrates some
undesirable attributes. The widespread use of high-pressure sodium lamps for supplemental greenhouse lighting
is primarily because they have the highest radiant yield

Photosynthesis
The word “photosynthesis” is derived from the Greek words Phōs means “light” and σύνθεσις
(pronounced: synthesis) means, “combining together.” This means “combining together with the help of light.”
Photosynthesis is a process by which
phototrophs convert light energy into chemical
energy, which is later used to fuel cellular
activities. The chemical energy is stored in the
form of sugars, which are created from water and
carbon dioxide. Photosynthesis also applies to
other organisms besides green plants. These
include several prokaryotes such as
cyanobacteria, purple bacteria and green sulfur
bacteria. These organisms exhibit photosynthesis just like green plants. The glucose produced during
photosynthesis is then used to fuel various cellular activities. The by-product of this physio-chemical process is
oxygen.
All plants require light for photosynthesis, the process by which a plant uses light to convert carbon
dioxide and water into carbohydrates (energy). Oxygen is released as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Plants
require this energy to grow, bloom and produce seed. Without adequate light, carbohydrates cannot be
manufactured, the energy reserves are depleted and plants die.
How plants are affected by too little or too much light?
 Plants like this geranium become leggy when not grown in enough light.
 When plants lack light, they don't produce chlorophyll (the green pigment in plants), and plants can turn
pale green to yellow to white.
 Plant stems become “leggy,” meaning stems become long and thin and appear to be reaching toward the
source of light.
 A lack of sufficient light causes the plant to grow long spaces on stems between the leaf nodes (the
point where a leaf grows out from the stem).
 Plants without sufficient light may also drop their leaves, especially older leaves.
 You may find that a variegated plant (leaves that are white and green) may revert to being solid green.
 Flowering plants may fail to produce flower buds.
 Plants exposed to too much light may result in scorched and bleached leaves.
Just like choosing plants for sunny or shady areas of your outdoor garden, it’s important to choose plants
that will grow in the existing light conditions indoors. And you may decide to add artificial grow lights to
increase light energy to your plants. Artificial lighting can be added to make up for the lack of natural sunlight.

Photoperiodism
Photoperiodism is the response to changes in
daylength that enables plants to adapt to seasonal
changes in their environment. The best studied
example of photoperiodism in plants is flowering,
but other responses to daylength include bud
dormancy and bulb or tuber initiation. Seasonal
flowering in response to daylength helps species to
adapt to particular habitats and synchronize
flowering for maximum pollination efficiency.
Daylength is perceived in leaves, while the response occurs elsewhere in the plant. For flowering, this
involves the FT protein, which is made in leaf vascular tissue in response to CO, whose expression is regulated
by photoreceptors and the circadian clock acting through an external coincidence mechanism. FT moves in the
phloem to the apex where it binds to FD and initiates floral development. FT proteins have similar roles in
tuberization and bulb initiation.
Photoperiodism is the response to changes in daylength that enables plants to adapt to seasonal changes
in their environment. The best studied example of photoperiodism in plants is flowering, but other responses to
daylength include bud dormancy and bulb or tuber initiation. Seasonal flowering in response to daylength helps
species to adapt to particular habitats and synchronize flowering for maximum pollination efficiency.
Daylength is perceived in leaves, while the response occurs elsewhere in the plant. For flowering, this involves
the FT protein, which is made in leaf vascular tissue in response to CO, whose expression is regulated by
photoreceptors and the circadian clock acting through an external coincidence mechanism. FT moves in the
phloem to the apex where it binds to FD and initiates floral development. FT proteins have similar roles in
tuberization and bulb initiation.
Since the initial report in 1978 of galactopoietic effects of a photoperiod of 16 h of light:8 h of darkness,
numerous studies have confirmed long-day stimulation of milk yield. The endocrine factor(s) responsible for
increased milk yield, however, has eluded identification. Recent studies suggest that insulin-like growth factor-I
(IGF-I) may mediate the galactopoietic response to long day photoperiod. Indeed, long days increase IGF-I in
heifers and lactating cows; in the latter case, the response preceded an increase in milk yield. In heifers and
cows, the increase in IGF-I is independent of changes in circulating growth hormone.
Despite lack of resolution of the endocrine mechanism, dairy producers are interested in how
photoperiod management can be integrated with current practices throughout the lactation cycle. There is
strong evidence that milk yield responses to long days persist through an entire lactation. Also, long days can
be combined with bovine somatotropin (bST) to produce additive increases in milk yield. During the dry
period, long days increase the periparturient surge of prolactin. However, relative to long days, short-day
treatment during the dry period produces the largest magnitude of response in milk yield during the subsequent
lactation. The response to short days during the dry period may be due to a priming effect on the photoperiodic
response system. In summary, IGF-I has emerged as a possible mediator of the increase of milk yield in
response to long-day photoperiod. Photoperiod can be combined effectively with other management techniques
such as bST.

Types of Agricultural Lighting Systems

 Natural Lighting
Lighting that is generated naturally with
the help of natural sources such as the
sun or the stars

o Sunlight:
1) Dairy cattle produce more milk when exposed to daylight, but it makes them also less prone to disease.
The lighter, the better your economic results.
2) Animals detect seasons based on the natural light cycles. Artificial lighting can confuse their sense of
the seasons and cattle could shed their winter coat too early, while they are still exposed to the cold.
3) The absence of daylight (lack of vitamin D) can generate rickets (soft bones) in pigs and poultry, unless
you add vitamin D artificially to their feed, leading to extra costs.
4) Chicken is sensitive to the UV rays in daylight. There is less feather picking when they are exposed to
daylight with UV.
5) In horse husbandry, the daylight cycle has an influence on the reproduction period of the mares.
6) Cows prefer light over dark places. Good illumination is vital for the visual contacts and social
hierarchy between them. This helps to prevent traumatism.

In intensive horticultural cultivation natural light levels often limit crop production during
several periods. For an optimum plant production and product quality light intensity, spectrum and
photoperiod have to be adapted to the needs of the crops at every moment. Light has to be optimized
together with all other growth factors like temperature, humidity and CO2. When sunlight is optimized,
it can still be necessary to add artificial light to ensure a year-round supply of horticultural products.
There is still room for improving the crop energy efficiency under artificial lighting by changing
duration and intensity of lighting, different growing systems and plant densities. Since artificial lighting
requires a high amount of energy, new artificial lighting systems have been developed, such as
 underlighting and light emitting diodes (LED). LED give the possibility for true light spectrum control
in the future. The (partial) replacement of HPS lamps by LED systems is currently under investigation
in Dutch greenhouses. Integration in current growing systems has full attention. In order to reach a high
sustainable and economic beneficial production the factor light has to be integrated and optimized
within the total horticultural system
o Daylighting: Multi-zone light management and optimization can help future-proof your business, by
optimizing crop production and quality in every zone, throughout the year, despite changes in natural
light or weather conditions. The purpose of grow zones is to:
 Map out the light each crop (and plant) will receive, including the daily light integral (DLI), light
intensity, uniformity, and spectrum
 Ensure the best setup of your lights for optimal lighting in each zone
 Minimize light wastage to aisles and other non-cultivation zones
 Optimize your energy usage
 Deliver your desired crop outcomes

 Artificial Lighting
Agricultural LED lights with tailored
spectra, can be used to grow plants by
providing the light spectrum they need for
various plant growth stages.

o Incandescent Lamps These lamps come in a variety of types and sizes.

They are a high brightness source and should be used in appropriate
luminaire to minimize glare. No auxiliary electrical equipment is
required. These lamps can be dimmed.

o Fluorescent Lamps These lamps provide a large light source. Even

though surface brightness is relatively low, fluorescent lamps should
always be housed in a suitable luminaire to minimize glare. In high
humidity environments or areas subject to wash down, gasketed or
weatherproof housings are required to prevent corrosion and
premature failure of the light system. Fluorescent lamps are available
in different sizes, types, and colors, which can provide good color rendering, cool or warm colors. Light
output is highly dependent on operating temperature

o High Intensity Discharge Lamps HID lamps (metal halide, high

pressure sodium) are used both outdoors and indoors. Ballasts are
required for their operation. HID lamps differ in their color rendering
ability, generally being lower than fluorescent or incandescent lamps.
These lamps are not suited to applications where lights operate
intermittently for a short duration due to their slow warm up time.

o
o (LEDs) produce light (or infrared radiation) by the recombination of
electrons and electron holes in a semiconductor, a process called
"electroluminescence". The wavelength of the light produced depends
on the energy band gap of the semiconductors used.

The light-emitting diode (LED) is today's most energy-efficient and rapidly developing lighting technology.
Quality LED light bulbs last longer, are more durable, and offer comparable or better light quality than other
types of lighting. LED lighting provides many environmental advantages, including being energy efficient,
producing zero toxic elements, requiring fewer light fixtures, and having a longer life span. LED lights are up
to 80% more efficient than fluorescent and incandescent lights. The most sustainable way to light your home is
to use energy saving light bulbs. LEDs are the most sustainable and affordable lighting options.

Applications of Lighting Systems in Agriculture

Crop Production

Crop production is a common agricultural practice followed by worldwide farmers to grow and produce
crops to use as food and fiber. This practice includes all the feed sources that are required to maintain and
produce crops. Listed below are few practices used during crop production.
Greenhouse lighting: Supplemental lighting
o Supplemental greenhouse lighting is used to increase light levels at times when natural light is low, such
as outside of daylight hours, over the winter season, and on gloomy summer days.
For most crops, there is a linear relationship
between the total amount of light your plants receive
and their growth. The daily light integral (DLI) is the
sum of all photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)
received by plants over the course of a 24-hour day.
DLI is measured in moles of photons (mols) per square
meter per day. Generally, the more photons – or the
higher DLI – plants receive, the better the overall
quality and production rates of plants. Many
greenhouse growers are choosing LEDs for their
supplemental lighting to increase DLI and eliminate
seasonal shifts in light. This helps them increase year-round yields and keep production output stable for
their customers.
Greenhouse lighting: Photoperiod lighting
Photoperiodic lighting is used to create a photoperiod longer than natural daylength (or to create dark
periods shorter than natural dark period). Photoperiodic lighting is a unique lighting technology used
o widely for flowering crops. Lighting is applied to plants as stimulus to induce a target action (e.g.,
flowering) and so the intensity required for this type of lighting applications is minimum (only a few
micro-mol/m2/s photosynthetic photon flux density, or 1/100 the light intensity of typical
photosynthetic lighting). When use of incandescent lamps were common, intensity of photoperiodic
lighting was expressed using the input power per plant growing area (watt/m2).
 This was a confusing practice as the same unit can be used for
irradiance measured at the target surface. Photoperiodic lighting is
widely studied in greenhouse flowering crops for which
recommended intensities are a minimum of 1-2 micro-mol/m2/s
measured over the plant canopy. LED-based flowering lamps can be
used and can significantly reduce the lighting power consumption
compared with incandescent lamps.
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
o The term-controlled environment agriculture (CEA)
encompasses a variety of systems that take a
technology-based approach to farming. CEA can
range from simple shade structures and hoop
houses through greenhouses to full indoor or
vertical farms. The most advanced systems are fully
automated, closed loop systems with controlled
lighting, water and ventilation. CEA also
encompasses common practices such as plastic film
over field-grown crops, nets or shade structures and aquaponics systems that integrate fish or
aquaculture with plant production.
CEA systems are designed to provide optimal growing conditions for crops and prevent disease and pest
damage. In indoor systems with artificial lighting, crops may be grown hydroponically, in which roots are
bathed in nutrient-dense water, or aeroponically where roots are regularly misted with water and nutrients.
o Vertical farming is exactly what it sounds
like: farming on vertical surfaces rather than
traditional, horizontal agriculture. By using
vertically stacked layers, farmers can produce
much more food on the same amount of land (or
even less). Often these layers are integrated into
buildings such as skyscrapers, housed in
warehouses or shipping containers, greenhouses
(like ours), or placed in spaces that would
otherwise be unfit for farming.
Yet vertical farming is much more than just stacking plants and hoping for the best. The practice requires
artificial temperature, light, water, and humidity control. If a delicate balance is not maintained, it’s possible to
lose an entire crop the way a traditional farm might in the event of a drought or flood.
Specific Lighting Needs for Different Crops
 Lettuce and Herbs - Minimum 12 DLI, Optimum 17 DLI
 Tomatoes - Minimum 20 DLI
 Cucumbers - Minimum 15 DLI
 Peppers - Minimum 20 DLI, Optimum 30 DLI
 Hemp - Minimum 20 DLI, Optimum 30 DLI
 Strawberry - Minimum 17 DLI, Optimum 20 DLI
 Microgreens - Minimum 10 DLI, Optimum 12 DLI
Livestock Facilities

Traditionally, raising livestock was a family business and animals were often raised outdoors. Cattle
strolling and grazing on open grassland, chickens running around and picking up feed and insects, and pigs
rooting in the dirt and eating food scraps in a backyard or a shed were common sights.In many parts of the
world today, such traditional production systems still exist and serve as the main means of meat, eggs and milk
production.
Lighting for Poultry, Dairy, Swine, and Other Livestock
Proper lighting plays an important role in the growth, productivity, and overall well-being of livestock.
Lighting solutions for livestock can vary depending on the type of animal and its function, such as egg
production or meat production. The right light intensity, color and duration can significantly impact animal
behavior, hormone secretion, and metabolism.
It is well known that lighting has significant effects on human health, well-being, and productivity.
Similarly, lighting can affect animal husbandry. Many studies have confirmed the direct relationship
between agricultural shed lighting and the productivity of the livestock. More and more modern facilities utilize
artificial lighting to rear and keep cattle, pigs, poultry, and horses, as well as support their natural habits.
Among the artificial light sources, LED lights are the most popular due to their advantages of high efficiency,
long life, and low maintenance cost.
During their evolutionary development, many animal species have become capable to detect and react to
changes in light intensity and photoperiod durations caused by seasonal changes, which influence their
physiological state and dynamic stereotype. This is demonstrating in poultry reared in industrial production
systems, where the egg production throughout the year is controlled via photoperiod alteration, in horse
husbandry for prolonging or restarting the reproduction period, whereas in dairy cattle farming it is applied for
increasing milk yield and disease resistance. With this regard, a number of researchers investigated the effect of
light day duration and light intensity on factors associated with better economic results in dairy cattle farms.
Light is one of primary components of micro climate of farm animal environment. Lighting of animal premises
is essential for one of most important elements of animal welfare the contact with mates from the same species.
The effects of lighting on animal morphology, physiology and behavior have been described in the number of
studies. The increased day length by artificial lighting during the winter caused earlier change of the winter
with summer coat. So far, there are no reports showing a negative effect of coat change on the health of cows.
Anyhow, the energy losses for body temperature maintenance related to the thinner coat during the winter
should be taken into consideration. The problem was not yet elucidated, although important for the practice.
Lighting intensity and duration are of great significance for health and life span of cows. According to the
authors, cows prefer light over dark places.
Horses
 Houses are sensitive to light intensity changes. To
prevent horses from becoming unnerved by sudden changes
from dark to bright light, dimmable illumination using so-
called “fade-in” and “fade-out” is required. Day length is the
main environmental factor that regulates the seasonal
reproductive cycle of mares and the off-season breeding
performance of stallions. For estrous stimulation, it is ideal to
have 14-16 hours of light followed by 10-8 hours of
darkness per day. Research has shown that light levels of
around 20-30 lux may be optimal for maintaining mare
fertility. Excessively bright lights can disrupt the horse's
natural biological rhythms and interfere with breeding activity.

Dairy and beef cattle

Unlike human eyes, cows have difficulty seeing red
light. This is advantageous for farmers. With the red light,
farmers can carry out simple tasks in the sheds during the
night time without disturbing cows. Dairy and beef cattle
also require adequate light levels. 150 lux of illuminance
throughout the barn is suitable for dairy and beef cattle.
When it comes to light duration for cows, it varies
depending on the period and conditions of cows.
Supplementing lactating cows with 16 to 18 hours of light
per day can increase milk production. In contrast, light duration for cows in the dry period should be reduced to
8 hours of light. The reduced light duration during the dry period improves immune function and health in
cows.
Swine/pig
Each level of swine production has different
requirements for light levels and duration. Generally
speaking, it is recommended to provide at least 8 hours of
light per day and 50 lux of illuminance for pigs. Breeding
and gestation barns require about 14 to 16 hours of lighting
per day to stimulate and extend breeding sow estrus. For
nursery pigs, 24 hours of lighting are required. The light
level for nursery pigs during day time can be higher for
inspection and feeding. The most challenged lighting
management is the lighting for farrowing rooms. Pigs
demands a hygiene and clean environment. Apart from long
lighting duration (24 hours of light per day), piglet also require a constant ambient temperature of +30°C. It
means the LED fixtures for farrowing room should be resistant to high temperature and chemicals. LED
fixtures with IP69K protection rating are required for the intensive cleaning process in farrowing rooms.
Poultry
Birds are photosensitive. They have complex
photoreceptors in their eyes that respond to changes in light
and can influence their behavior, physiology and even
reproductive cycles. Additionally, breeding and nesting
behavior of certain species are also influenced by day length
and light intensity. Poultry are sensitive to flickering light.
Thus, LED lighting fixtures are the ideal choices because
they are generally free from flicker. The prerequisites for poultry lighting are uniform, flicker-free, and warm
color temperature. But the amount and duration of light required by the birds is significantly different from the
type of production and the task. For broiler chicks, a low level of general lighting throughout the whole day is
required to allow the chicks to find food and water. The hours of light per day can stimulate reproduction and
control the breeding process. About 14 hours of lighting per day is required for the first three weeks for breeder
birds. Lighting requirements are reduced to 8 hours of light per day during the fourth and twenty weeks. It is
then increased to the 15 hours of light per day for the rest of life. Similarly, artificial lighting can also extend
the egg laying period during the year.
Aquaculture

Aquaculture is breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. Basically, it's farming
in water. U.S. aquaculture is an environmentally responsible source of food and commercial products, helps to

create healthier habitats, and is used to rebuild stocks of threatened or endangered species.
Light is necessary for the photosynthesis required for the health and growth of all aquarium plants.
Proper lighting enables the plants to absorb the carbon dioxide gases the fish breathe out. Too much light will
cause the appearance of microscopic life known as algae. Too much light and a type of floating algae can grow
that will turn the water green; too little light and plants suffer; but with the right level of light, some small spots
of green algae appear on the surface of rocks and sides of a glass aquarium. Some algae are desirable, fish
nibble on it, and it adds to the natural look of a healthy community aquarium. Unlike plants, fish do not have a
biological need for light, so they require less. Natural sunlight at noon has a rating of 5500 Kelvin.
In general, if an aquarium is near a sunny window, it may only need 5 hours of artificial light per
day. But in direct sunlight, the algae growth will be out of control, even without any artificial light at all. For
best results, an aquarium should be placed in an area where sunlight never reaches it directly. Artificial lighting
should be on for a minimum of 8 hours per day but can stay on 10 to 12 hours if this enables better viewing in
the evening for the hobbyist.
Impact of light growth, reproduction, and health of aquatic organisms
Light compares a complex of external and ecological factors, including colour spectrum, intensity and
photoperiod. Light characteristics are very specific in an aquatic environment and light is extremely variable in
nature. ‘Receptivity’ of fish to light profoundly changes according to the species and the developmental status.
Specific photoreceptor cells are present in both eye and pineal. If it is easy to change the light in
experimentation and to observe the effects on fish growth, it is much more difficult in nature to make such
determinations. In larvae, many studies have been dedicated to the influence of intensity and photoperiod on
growth: generally, species need a minimal threshold intensity to be able to develop normally and grow. This is
probably related to the aptitude to localize, catch and ingest prey. Light is also indispensable for body
pigmentation, an important phenomenon involved in early development and growth. Too intense light can be
stressful or even lethal. A few species are able to develop and grow at very low intensities or, sometimes, in the
absence of light. Generally, long daylength improves larval rearing quality. The synergistic effect of ‘food
availability-daylength’ appears to be determining at this stage. In older fish, there is very little information
about the influence of light ‘quality’ but more about intensity and much more about photoperiod. Light
intensity effects are not so clear and depend on the species and the experimental procedures: it is probably not
an important factor for growth stimulation. Daylength appears much more important. Many species, including
both marine species and salmonids, react to photoperiod
treatments and long daylength stimulates growth. The most studied species is the Atlantic salmon,
which is very sensitive, both during the freshwater stage, with the parr–smolt transformation very dependent on
the photoperiod, and also in sea water. In this last condition, lighting also influences early maturation. An
important point is to be certain that light affects fish growth through a better food conversion efficiency and not
just through stimulated food intake. Also included in this review is a discussion about the endolymph–otolith
system, which is very sensitive to daylight and seasonal cycles and a review of the present knowledge on the
involvement of light influence on hormone levels melatonin.
Design Principles for Agricultural Lighting

Schematic diagram of light emitting diode (LED) efficiency on plant growth and development. The
beneficial effects of LEDs on plants include improving crop yield and quality, flavor production, nutritional
quality, photosynthetic efficiency, plant defense and flowering, etc.
 Light Distribution
Light distribution refers to
the way that light spreads across a
given area. It is a defining
characteristic of LED lights, boat
lights, and other lighting fixtures
since it affects their overall
effectiveness and efficiency. Proper
light distribution ensures that light is evenly dispersed, thus reducing hotspots and shadows. This
provides a more uniform and comfortable level of illumination.

 Light Uniformity
As the name suggests, this is a measure of how
"uniform" or even the light levels are in an area -
i.e., the variation between darker and lighter areas.
Usually abbreviated to U0 in lighting designs, it is
measured on a scale of 0-1, with higher values
being better. Good lighting design practice either
diffuses the light to reduce the luminance or shields
the source from view. The control of glare in
electric lighting is generally called shielding. For natural light, however, the term shading is used. While
technically they are almost the same thing, the slight difference in language is welcome to help
differentiate between lighting and daylighting.
 Light Intensity Considerations
1. Light distribution and brightness
Daylight is a fantastic resource, but you’ll have to think about how it will interact with the artificial light
inside your building. One study conducted by Alan Hedge of Cornell showed that workers in office
environments with optimized natural light saw an 84% decrease in symptoms of eyestrain, blurred vision
and headaches. These are all symptoms that detract from productivity. So, does that mean you should get
rid of all the artificial lighting and just install giant windows? Not exactly. Windows are definitely a
worthwhile design choice, but you also have to account for the adverse effects of natural light.
2. Energy conservation
Many older lighting design types, like incandescent and fluorescents, consume comparatively huge
amounts of energy. In traditional incandescent bulbs, 90% of the energy they emit is given off as heat,
making them a very wasteful option. Changing bulb types to more efficient LEDs can be one of the best
ways to save energy, which is good for both the environment and your bottom line. LED stands for light-
emitting diodes, and they work through a process called electroluminescence, which generates light as an
electric current pass through a semiconductor material.
3. The appearance of the space and luminaires
With all this talk of efficiency and light interactions, we can’t forget about the physical appearance of
the light fixtures. Lighting design types should be aesthetically pleasing and match the feel of the office
space. Luminaires refer to different light fixtures and include recessed fixtures, direct and indirect pendants,
under-cabinet lighting, wall wash lights, sconces, and task lighting, among others. Effective luminaire
combinations can create expertly lit areas.
4. Glare
There are a few different types of glares, including direct and reflective glares. Direct glare refers to the
view of a light, typically in high contrast to its surroundings. Lamps and sunlight can cause it. Reflective
glare is a little more challenging to deal with, as it comes from items we work with, like glossy paper,
desks, and computer screens. Reflective glare means you’ll need to consider the surface colors in the room
as well as the diffusion of the light. Matte walls and surfaces may help to reduce reflection glare.
5. The appearance of color
If you ask people what color a lightbulb emits, many of them will say “white,” but there is actually
much more to the color of light than that. White light has a color temperature measured in Kelvins. The
Kelvin scale measures black body radiation. Oddly enough, what we consider to be warm colors, like
reddish hues, are lower in temperatures, and cool colors, such as blue, are higher
6. Lighting control and flexibility
With a comprehensive lighting system, you may need a little more than a light switch to control them
all, especially if you are using smart options with motion sensors or automatic responses. Many modern
systems can work wirelessly, which is especially beneficial for retrofitting or for buildings with hard-to-
wire areas. Wireless controls can be placed almost anywhere and moved or expanded as needed.
7. Lighting of faces
Lights influence more than just the bright parts of an office they also affect the dark parts. Some styles
of lighting options increase the presence of shadows and offer themselves to dramatic lighting. We can
thank directional lights for these three-dimensional effects.
8. Cost of implementation
While you consider overhauling an entire lighting system, the associated costs surely haven’t escaped
your mind. Some of the costs involved include:
  Equipment
 Installation
 Design
 Maintenance
 Energy
 Environment
Whether you want to increase the use of daylight or install intelligent lighting options throughout a
facility, SitelogIQ can take care of everything with a turnkey approach. Our expert team can help you find
the ideal combination of efficiency and savings and find low-cost options that save you money. We start by
identifying ways to minimize waste and find opportunities for high returns on investment.
9. Installation
The installation process can vary widely, but one thing is for sure — if you opt to organize your lighting
system yourself, you’ll need an electrician and maybe a contractor too. That means searching for qualified
workers and the best rates. By using a turnkey energy service provider, you can pass up on this part of the
process and focus instead on keeping your business moving smoothly.
10. Maintenance
To get the most out of your light system, you’ll need to maintain it properly. For some light options,
maintenance is no more complicated than taking out a bulb and replacing it once it has become dim or gone
out. Others require the expertise of specially trained professionals, including IT personnel and electricians,
to care for them correctly.
Glare control and minimizing light pollution
1. Turn off lights when not in use
Many of us are already pre-conditioned to do this when our parents gave us a light scolding growing up
when leaving the room without turning off the lights. But if you have slowly grown out of the habit, now’s
a great time to restart it. Not only does turning off lights help contribute to lessening overall light pollution,
it reduces your energy costs at home.
2. Use fewer lights when inside
Building on the above, it’s just good practice to only use light that you absolutely need. If you
appreciate low, ambient lighting, you’re already off to a great start. Having dimmers installed in every room
also allows for using less light overall.
3. Keep the blinds and drapes closed at night
After the sun sets, try to get in the habit of using window shades to keep room lights from escaping your
house or hotel room, as it contributes to the light pollution outdoors. This also allows for your own privacy,
especially in close quarters such as in hotel or apartment buildings.
4. Avoid driving at night
For many folks, driving at night is like driving in an entirely different world, and some of us have a lack
of depth perception, to boot. So, unless it’s necessary, avoid driving at night; not only is it safer, using
headlights contributes to the degradation of our gorgeous night skies.
5. Turn off all lights when going to sleep
This goes without saying, but when you’re asleep you don’t need lights! Small night lights to illuminate
your way during that midnight bathroom break are okay, as well as motion sensor lights for safety.
6. When going outside, point your lights towards the ground
 When using flashlights or headlights outside to illuminate your way, always try to point them down to
the ground. Believe it or not, pointing that tiny ray of light upwards does contribute to light pollution! This
is also good practice if you do any night hiking, whether in the city or in rural areas.

7. Use night shift settings on all devices

Nowadays, with all of our devices such as home computers, laptops, iPad, phones, etc. it has the
potential to contribute just as much (or more) to light pollution than regular room lights. Especially when
everyone in the family is using them. After dark, the bright lights of our screens are not needed, so switch to
a dimmer night setting. It’s also good for our eyes.
8. Let your eyes adjust to less light instead of turning on lights
Sometimes we are used to absentmindedly turning on the lights full blast after the sun sets. But it’s kind
of amazing to know that our eyes can adjust rather nicely to no-light or low-light settings if we just give it a
few minutes.
9. Unplug from devices as the sun sets
Going a step further from point number seven, reducing the use of our devices in the evening is always
a great habit to form. We’ve all heard of the potential dangers of too much screen time. After dinner, make
it a rule to unplug completely.
10. Use only downward facing lights inside when you can
When light points upward it contributes directly to the artificial sky glow – that glow you see over urban
areas from a cumulative array of lights. This sky glow spills over into neighboring areas and can also disrupt
wildlife. Install light shields for any outdoor lighting set-ups to help direct the light downward to a specific
area.
Energy efficiency and cos-effectiveness in lighting design
Lighting efficiency is the ratio of the light output to the power input of a lighting system. It is measured
in lumens per watt (lm/W), which indicates how much light is produced for each watt of electricity. The higher
the lm/W, the more efficient the lighting system is. Lighting efficiency depends on several factors, such as the
type of light source, the fixture design, the control system, and the environmental conditions.
Lighting cost-effectiveness is the balance between the initial and operating costs of a lighting system
and the benefits it provides. It is measured in terms of payback period, return on investment, or life cycle cost
analysis. The payback period is the time it takes for the energy savings to equal the initial cost. The return on
investment is the percentage of profit or loss from the initial cost over a certain period. The life cycle cost
analysis is the total cost of owning and operating a lighting system over its useful life, including installation,
maintenance, energy, and disposal costs.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

LED lighting technology can

efficiently generate a wide range of spectral power distributions, optical distributions, and intensity levels for
plant or animal production. Optimizing these lighting attributes for various agricultural applications can
improve plant growth and animal well-being, resulting in increased productivity. DOE works to help achieve
these benefits, in addition to the energy savings offered by LED technology.
Technologies and strategies for reducing energy consumption
1. Harvesting Efficiently
Harvesting your crops in optimal conditions can make your harvest more efficient. Crops that are too
wet or soil that's wet results in more fuel consumption, so by waiting until the conditions are just right, you
save energy. Fuel consumption for combining can be reduced. When grain combining, increasing the
height of your cut will not only harvest less straw and stalks, but reduce fuel consumption as well.
2. Consistent Wheel Traffic Pattern
The use of GPS guidance or auto-steer technology can result in a regular pattern of machine movement,
but even without those tools you could still set a consistent path for yourself. Having consolidated soil
compaction rather than some compaction all over allows for crops to grow better in the areas with no
compaction. However, there is an energy benefit as well: compacted soil is an easier to drive on surface.
This can increase machine efficiency and help reduce fuel consumption.
3. Minimize Turning Time
Turning at the ends of a field, and going around objects in the middle of it, is nonproductive fuel
consumption; you aren't getting any return on the fuel you're using in that time. In order to minimize turning
time, if it's possible for your farm, fields should be large and long. Any sort of barriers in a field that your
tractor is going to have to get around (like fence rows or ditches) should be removed if practical. This
practice will save time and fuel, letting you save money.
4. Use Optimal Gear to RPM, or CVT
An operation strategy for older tractors to maximize fuel efficiency can be condensed into "gear
up/throttle down". This means using the highest gear and lowest RPM (Rotations Per Minute) combination
that gives the desired speed without straining the engine to the point where it produces visible black smoke.
However, if you're working with a newer tractor or thinking of purchasing a new tractor, often they have
engines with CVTs, or Continuously Variable Transitions, or IVTs, Infinitely Variable Transmissions.
With a CVT or IVT, there's no need to manually select the gear and RPM, because the machine makes
those choices. A CVT or IVT can also compensate for momentary increases in engine demand (things like
hills or heavy soil).
5. Don't Over-Till
Deep tillage uses more fuel than shallow tillage and often isn't necessary. There are options to save
energy, like minimum, strip, or no-till, to reduce or completely rule out tillage. However, if you decide that
tilling (to some degree) is necessary, to make the best use of your fuel and time, secondary tillage should be
shallower than primary tillage. Secondary tillage should really only be ½ the depth of the primary till. This
reduces compaction, lessens the amount of wet soil and weed seeds brought up to the surface, reduces water
loss, and uses less fuel. With shallower tillage in general, water loss is reduced, leading to a longer period
of time before irrigation is needed.
6. Machinery and Engine Maintenance
Preventative maintenance and tune-ups are especially important when it's possible for your machine to
be running under max efficiency without you noticing. The best way to keep a machine running well is to
follow the instructions in the operator's manual. For engines, fuel, oil and air filters should all be changed
routinely according to the operator's manual; keeping the engine lubricated and running smoothly improves
fuel efficiency.
7. Technology for Precision Agriculture
 Innovations like GPS guidance systems and auto-steer technology are tools that can be used to find the
most efficient routes around a field. The main benefit is that it eliminates skips and overlaps on the field,
and can lend to setting a consistent wheel traffic pattern. Tools for precision agriculture (like GPS and
auto-steer technology) can also reduce the amount of time you spend on a field, saving you time, as well as
fuel.
8. Optimize Wheel Slip
Every tractor experiences some wheel slip while out in the field. Because of this, wheel slip should be
optimized to get the most effective movement out of a tractor's wheels. Too much wheel slip indicates that
energy is being lost in tire spin, but too little slip means the tires are carrying too much weight. In both
instances, fuel is wasted unnecessarily. A simple test and calculation can be used to measure wheel slip,
which can then be compared to prime wheel slip percentage. In general, optimum wheel sleep is
somewhere between 10% and 15%, although this will depend on several factors, including type of field
operation. Wheel slip can be adjusted by modifying the ballast (weighting) and tire inflation of the tractor -
most tractor manufacturers will have detailed recommendations on how to do this on your particular model.
9. Efficient Drawn Implement Selection and Use
Before buying and using any new equipment for your tractor, you should take a look at the amount of
power (horsepower) it needs to do its job. This is because two implements could perform a similar task, but
one may take a lot less energy to do its job than the other. For example, a square hay baler might take more
energy than a round hay baler. Whether that stems from a difference in design or better construction,
implements that are more efficient will use less fuel to get the job done.
10. Managing Tractor Size
A great way to save on fuel is to use the smallest tractor that can do the job. Larger tractors usually
waste more energy, so if you're running a farm that produces a lot of different crops or needs to perform a
lot of different field operations, having and using different sized tractors might be a good investment for
you. Generally, small equipment shouldn't be used with a big tractor. Using the most efficient combination
of tractor size and equipment for your field operations could save you money in the long run. If you're
looking at buying a new tractor, or wondering which tractor out of the ones you already own would be the
most efficient choice for a job, the University of Nebraska houses the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory
(NTTL), which is the official tractor testing station in the U.S. for OECD (Organization of Economic
Cooperation and Development), could be a really useful resource for you. Alternatively, the American
Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) has a spreadsheet that compiles NTTL Results
for a more streamlined comparison. The performance data on the tractors tested by the NTTL and the
ASABE Spreadsheet for Matching Tractors and Drawn Implements could help you find a combination that
will most efficiently fit your farming needs and help you choose equipment that best compliments your
machine's capabilities
Sensors and controls
 Timers
Timers can be used to turn lights on and off at
specific times. Manual timers plug into an electrical
outlet for controlling objects such as lamps or light
strings. Programmable digital timers, which can look
like digital thermostats, automate indoor or outdoor
lighting. Programmable timers are not often used
alone for outdoor lighting because the timer may
have to be reset often with the seasonal variation in the length of nighttime. However, they can be used
effectively in combination with other controls. For example, the best combination for aesthetic lighting
may be a photosensor that turns lights on in the evening and a timer that turns the lights off at a certain
hour of the night (such as 11 p.m.).
 For indoor lighting, timers are useful to give an unoccupied house a lived-in look. However,
they may have limited use in an occupied home because they do not respond to changes in your day-to-
day activities.

 Dimmers
Dimmer controls provide variable indoor lighting and can be
operated manually, or with timers or sensors. When you dim
lightbulbs, it reduces their wattage and output, which helps save
energy. Dimmers are generally inexpensive and can increase the
service life of certain types of light bulbs, as well as provide some
energy savings when lights are used at a reduced level. However,
with incandescent lighting, dimming reduces lumen output, or
brightness, more than wattage, which makes incandescent bulbs less efficient as they are dimmed.

 Motion Sensors
Motion sensors automatically turn lights on when
they detect motion and turn them off a short while later. They
are especially useful for outdoor security and utility lighting.
Because utility lights and some security lights are needed
only when it is dark and people are present, the best way to
control might be a combination of a motion sensor and
photosensor. Using durable lighting products with longer life
ratings reduces the number of light fittings that are sent to
landfill. Likewise, avoiding lighting products that contain
harmful substances such as mercury minimizes harm to the
environment.
Sustainable lighting practices and their impact on farm productivity
Choosing the best luminaires for each space enhances the sustainability of lighting design. Directional
lighting, task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting can all be combined to create a sustainable lighting
scheme that uses light only where and when it is required. it is important to note that not all LED bulbs are
dimmable. As a specifier it is therefore important to check that the LED bulbs you intend to use for a project
are dimmable. If dimmable LED lighting is being installed for existing LED light fittings, you should also
check their compatibility with dimmer switches.
These changing conditions have rendered it increasingly difficult for farmers and planters to predict the
environmental variables that will influence their crops’ growth. In particular, the availability of natural light,
which plants rely on for development, has become an unreliable factor.
HORTIV’s products incorporate advanced technologies and offer a digital control-based solution for plant
cultivation in various conditions and dynamic environments. The company’s commitment to rigorous planning
and production processes, combined with professional support and service, positions Hortiv as a leading
provider of comprehensive LED lighting solutions for both closed spaces and greenhouses. These innovations
have the potential to significantly improve the resilience of agriculture in the face of climate-related challenges
and promote sustainable and efficient crop production.
Special Consideration in Agricultural Lighting
Plant growth and geographic distribution (where the plant can grow) are greatly affected by the
environment. If any environmental factor is less than ideal, it limits a plant's growth and/or distribution. For
example, only plants adapted to limited amounts of water can live in deserts. Either directly or indirectly, most
plant problems are caused by environmental stress. In some cases, poor environmental conditions (e.g., too
little water) damage a plant directly. In other cases, environmental stress weakens a plant and makes it more
susceptible to disease or insect attack.
 Environmental factors that affect plant growth include light, temperature, water, humidity and nutrition.
It's important to understand how these factors affect plant growth and development. With a basic understanding
of these factors, you may be able to manipulate plants to meet your needs, whether for increased leaf, flower or
fruit production. By recognizing the roles of these factors, you'll also be better able to diagnose plant problems
caused by environmental stress.
Seasonal Variations and Their Impact on Lighting Requirements

Natural light varies from one season to the next, whether we refer to brightness, slant or radiant periods.
For instance, does your staff add more luminaires or extra light sources to work well in their environment
during shorter days of the year? At home, do you close your curtains against the onset of intense radiance at
other times of the year? So, why not adapt artificial lighting to harmonize with Mother Nature’s fluctuations?
We should adjust lighting with seasonal changes to save money and energy.
Why Adjust Lighting Systems According to Each Season? To ensure that lighting remains comfortable
during seasonal changes, welcoming and energy-efficient throughout the year, we must adjust our artificial
light to meet the distinctiveness of each season. Winter days are markedly shorter than those of the summer. As
such, we should arrange artificial light so that our surroundings are visually comfortable and safe during darker
days. And even though the sun goes down, we need to be able to continue our work without any trouble! We
must also consider that light streams through windows at varying slants. This creates variable lighting needs
throughout a space. For instance, a surface that receives no light during the afternoon in summer months might
get a lot of illumination at that same time during the winter. Toning down this natural light stream avoids
excessive glare on the occupants of the space.
As climate change threatens the concept of traditional growing seasons and as communities push for
more local agriculture, the idea of being able to de-seasonalize production offers increased productivity and
opportunities for greenhouse growers. To fully grasp how Slum Technologies' solution can effectively support
this transition, we must better understand how natural light changes seasonally and why this variation affects
plant growth. At the end of
this discussion, it
will become clear that
giving producers
access to a fully
programmable
and responsive
lighting solution is key
to multi- season and
year-round agriculture.
Integration of renewable energy resources (solar power) for agricultural lighting
Renewable integration is the process of plugging renewable sources of energy into the electric grid.
Renewable sources generate energy from self-replenishing resources—like wind, sunshine, and water—and
could provide enough energy to power a clean future. These sources of energy are very different from fossil-
based energy sources, which can create challenges when integrating renewable energy with the grid.
Overcoming these challenges is key to increasing renewable integration and achieving a clean energy future.
 Sources of renewable energy, such as water and geothermal, can generate steady and consistent energy
to meet baseload power needs, which is the minimum amount of power the grid needs at any given time. These
renewables function similar to fossil fuel plants which are able to provide reliable power to meet changing
customer demands. However, the amount of energy generated from other renewables, like wind and solar
sources, can vary significantly throughout the day, the season, and in different locations. That’s because these
renewables rely on resources—wind and sunshine that fluctuate and are not available everywhere at all times.
This is an important consideration because the amount of electricity fed into the grid must always be equal to
the amount of electricity used or taken out the grid. Imbalances in grid power can lead to power outages. The
increasing reliance on renewable sources for energy requires a flexible grid and new approaches to balance
power supply and demand.
There are clear benefits of increasing renewable integration with the grid. Renewables can reduce
emissions of carbon and other air pollutants and are self-replenishing. They support distributed energy systems
that lessen power demand on the grid, lower costs, and enhance the reliability and security of critical
infrastructure, such as hospitals. These benefits can only be fully realized if energy from renewables is
accessible when and where it’s needed, which is why renewable integration is an important area of research.