n high-performance greenhouse vegetable production, predictable and maximized year-round yields are the ultimate benchmark for success. To evaluate the real-world impact of intracanopy lighting (interlighting) on a commercial scale, Hort Americas partnered with a leading U.S. greenhouse tomato grower in the Midwest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The objective of this two-year study was to determine if placing LED light bars directly within the plant canopy could overcome natural shading barriers and maximize profitability for the ‘Macxize’ (tomatoes-on-the-vine) variety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a traditional greenhouse setup, even one equipped with high-pressure sodium (HPS) overhead fixtures for winter supplemental light, top light struggles to penetrate the lower third of dense, vining crop canopies. This lack of uniformity limits photosynthesis in the lower leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To accurately measure the effects of internal light delivery, the grower integrated a Priva<\/strong> environmental control system linked to a comprehensive sensor network:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The trial compared two greenhouse sections of identical size (9,817 sq. ft. each) over a 41-week harvest period:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note on Density:<\/strong> Delivering supplemental light inside the canopy allowed the grower to increase planting density by nearly 17% in the LED section, without sacrificing fruit size week over week (average fruit size decreased by a negligible 0.24%).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Data collected at the end of the 41-week harvest period showed a clear performance advantage in the optimized intracanopy section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional Revenue\u2212Electricity Cost=Net Income Gain<\/p>\n\n\n\n $23,404\u2212$3,621=$19,783<\/p>\n\n\n\n By subtracting the power costs from the extra revenue generated, the grower pocketed an additional $19,783 in gross income<\/strong> from the intracanopy section\u2014a 14.4% increase<\/strong> in financial performance compared to the control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The data confirms that intracanopy LED lighting successfully converts supplemental light into highly profitable biomass. By allowing for higher planting densities and optimizing photosynthesis where top light cannot reach, this technology solves a critical commercial horticulture problem: achieving consistent, predictable, and significantly higher yields without disproportionate energy expenses.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" n high-performance greenhouse vegetable production, predictable and maximized year-round yields are the ultimate benchmark for success. To evaluate the real-world\u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":236,"template":"","meta":[],"class_list":["post-234","hort_article","type-hort_article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
Study Protocol: Increased Light, Higher Density<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Parameter<\/th> Control Section<\/th> Intracanopy Lighting Section<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Top Lighting<\/strong><\/td> HPS Lamps (November to March)<\/td> HPS Lamps (November to March)<\/td><\/tr> Internal Lighting<\/strong><\/td> None<\/td> Arize Integral LEDs<\/strong> (6 ft above substrate)<\/td><\/tr> Planting Density<\/strong><\/td> 3.0 plants \/ m2<\/td> 3.5 plants \/ m2<\/strong> (+16.6%)<\/td><\/tr> Operating Hours<\/strong><\/td> \u2014<\/td> 17 hours\/day (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), Week 38 to 21<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
Results: Direct Impact on Yield and Revenue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
[Control Section] ---> 83.7 kg\/m\u00b2\n[Intracanopy Section] ---> 98.0 kg\/m\u00b2 (+17% yield increase)\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nFinancial Analysis (Based on a selling price of $1.80\/kg)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Net Return on Investment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion: A Clear Strategic Win<\/h2>\n\n\n\n