Recently, we received a message from a friend in Northern Europe asking about the potential factors that could lead to failure when growing sweet peppers in a greenhouse.
This is a complex issue, especially for those new to agriculture. My advice is not to rush into agricultural production immediately. Instead, first, form a team of experienced growers, thoroughly review all relevant information about cultivation, and connect with reliable technical experts.
In greenhouse cultivation, any misstep in the process can have irreversible consequences. Although the environment and climate inside a greenhouse can be controlled manually, this often requires significant financial, material, and human resources. If not managed properly, it could result in production costs exceeding market prices, leading to unsold products and financial losses.
The yield of crops is influenced by several factors. These include the selection of seedlings, cultivation methods, environmental control, nutrient formula matching, and pest and disease management. Each step is crucial and interconnected. With this understanding, we can better explore how the compatibility of the greenhouse system with the local region affects production.
When growing sweet peppers in Northern Europe, it is particularly important to focus on the lighting system. Sweet peppers are light-loving plants that require high light levels, especially during flowering and fruiting stages. Adequate light promotes photosynthesis, which enhances both yield and fruit quality. However, the natural light conditions in Northern Europe, particularly during winter, often do not meet the needs of sweet peppers. Short daylight hours and low light intensity in winter can slow down the growth of sweet peppers and hinder fruit development.
Research indicates that the optimal light intensity for sweet peppers is between 15,000 and 20,000 lux per day. This level of light is essential for healthy growth. However, during winter in Northern Europe, daylight is typically only 4 to 5 hours, which is far from sufficient for the peppers. In the absence of enough natural light, using supplemental lighting is necessary to maintain the growth of sweet peppers.
With 28 years of experience in greenhouse construction, we have served 1,200 greenhouse growers and have expertise in 52 different types of greenhouse crops. When it comes to supplemental lighting, the common choices are LED and HPS lights. Both light sources have their own advantages, and the choice should be made based on specific needs and the conditions of the greenhouse.
|
Comparison Criteria |
LED (Light Emitting Diode) |
HPS (High-Pressure Sodium Lamp) |
|
Energy Consumption |
Low energy consumption, typically saving 30-50% energy | High energy consumption |
|
Light Efficiency |
High efficiency, providing specific wavelengths beneficial for plant growth | Moderate efficiency, mainly provides red-orange spectrum |
|
Heat Generation |
Low heat generation, reduces the need for greenhouse cooling | High heat generation, may require additional cooling |
|
Lifespan |
Long lifespan (up to 50,000+ hours) | Shorter lifespan (around 10,000 hours) |
|
Spectrum Adjustability |
Adjustable spectrum to suit different plant growth stages | Fixed spectrum in the red-orange range |
|
Initial Investment |
Higher initial investment | Lower initial investment |
|
Maintenance Costs |
Low maintenance costs, less frequent replacement | Higher maintenance costs, frequent bulb replacement |
|
Environmental Impact |
Eco-friendly with no hazardous materials | Contains small amounts of mercury, requires careful disposal |
|
Suitability |
Suitable for various crops, especially those with specific spectrum needs | Versatile but less ideal for crops needing specific light spectrums |
|
Application Scenarios |
Better suited for vertical farming and environments with strict light control | Suitable for traditional greenhouses and large-scale crop production |
Based on our practical experience at CFGET, we have gathered some insights into different planting strategies:
High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps are generally more suitable for growing fruits and vegetables. They provide high light intensity and a high red light ratio, which is beneficial for promoting fruit growth and ripening. The initial investment cost is lower.
On the other hand, LED lights are better suited for cultivating flowers. Their adjustable spectrum, controllable light intensity, and low heat output can meet the specific lighting needs of flowers at various growth stages. Although the initial investment cost is higher, the long-term operating costs are lower.
Therefore, there is no single best choice; it's about finding what best suits your specific needs. We aim to share our experience with growers, working together to explore and understand the functions of each system. This includes analyzing the necessity of each system and estimating future operating costs to help growers make the most suitable choice for their circumstances.
Our professional services emphasize that the final decision should be based on the specific needs of the crop, the growing environment, and the budget.
To better assess and understand the practical application of greenhouse supplemental lighting systems, we calculate the number of lights needed based on the light spectrum and lux levels, including energy consumption. This data provides a comprehensive view to help you gain a clearer understanding of the system's characteristics.
I have invited our technical department to present and discuss the calculation formulas, specifically for “calculating the supplemental lighting requirements for two different light sources in a 3,000 square meter glass greenhouse located in Northern Europe, using substrate bag cultivation for growing sweet peppers”:
LED Supplemental Lighting
1)Lighting Power Requirement:
1.Assume a power requirement of 150-200 watts per square meter.
2.Total power requirement = Area (square meters) × Power requirement per unit area (watts/square meter)
3.Calculation: 3,000 square meters × 150-200 watts/square meter = 450,000-600,000 watts
2)Number of Lights:
1.Assume each LED light has a power of 600 watts.
2.Number of lights = Total power requirement ÷ Power per light
3.Calculation: 450,000-600,000 watts ÷ 600 watts = 750-1,000 lights
3)Daily Energy Consumption:
1.Assume each LED light operates for 12 hours per day.
2.Daily energy consumption = Number of lights × Power per light × Operating hours
3.Calculation: 750-1,000 lights × 600 watts × 12 hours = 5,400,000-7,200,000 watt-hours
4.Conversion: 5,400-7,200 kilowatt-hours
HPS Supplemental Lighting
1)Lighting Power Requirement:
1.Assume a power requirement of 400-600 watts per square meter.
2.Total power requirement = Area (square meters) × Power requirement per unit area (watts/square meter)
3.Calculation: 3,000 square meters × 400-600 watts/square meter = 1,200,000-1,800,000 watts
2)Number of Lights:
1.Assume each HPS light has a power of 1,000 watts.
2.Number of lights = Total power requirement ÷ Power per light
3.Calculation: 1,200,000-1,800,000 watts ÷ 1,000 watts = 1,200-1,800 lights
3)Daily Energy Consumption:
1.Assume each HPS light operates for 12 hours per day.
2.Daily energy consumption = Number of lights × Power per light × Operating hours
3.Calculation: 1,200-1,800 lights × 1,000 watts × 12 hours = 14,400,000-21,600,000 watt-hours
4.Conversion: 14,400-21,600 kilowatt-hours
|
Item |
LED Supplemental Lighting |
HPS Supplemental Lighting |
| Lighting Power Requirement | 450,000-600,000 watts | 1,200,000-1,800,000 watts |
| Number of Lights | 750-1,000 lights | 1,200-1,800 lights |
| Daily Energy Consumption | 5,400-7,200 kilowatt-hours | 14,400-21,600 kilowatt-hours |
Through this calculation method, we hope you gain a clearer understanding of the core aspects of greenhouse system configuration—such as data calculations and environmental control strategies—to make a well-rounded assessment.
Special thanks to our professional plant growth supplemental lighting supplier at CFGET for providing the necessary parameters and data for confirming the lighting setup.
I hope this article provides deeper insights into the initial stages of greenhouse cultivation and helps foster a stronger understanding as we move forward together. I look forward to collaborating with you in the future, working hand in hand to create more value.
I am Coraline. Since the early 1990s, CFGET has been deeply rooted in the greenhouse industry. Authenticity, sincerity, and dedication are the core values that drive our company. We strive to grow alongside our growers, continuously innovating and optimizing our services to deliver the best greenhouse solutions.
At Chengfei Greenhouse, we are not just greenhouse manufacturers; we are your partners. From the detailed consultations in the planning stages to the comprehensive support throughout your journey, we stand with you, facing every challenge together. We believe that only through sincere collaboration and continuous effort can we achieve lasting success together.
—— Coraline, CFGET CEOOriginal Author: Coraline
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#PepperCultivation
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#EuropeanAgriculture
Post time: Aug-12-2024
