How Wavelength Determines Photosynthesis Efficiency(Plant Growth LED Chips)?

With the continuous advancement of global agricultural technology, LED grow lights have been widely used in greenhouse cultivation, vertical farming, indoor gardening, and laboratory research. Compared to traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps and fluorescent lights, LED chips offer advantages such as high efficiency, low energy consumption, and customizable spectra, making them an ideal choice for modern plant lighting.

In LED plant lighting technology, spectrum selection is a key factor in determining photosynthesis efficiency. Among them, the combination of red and blue light (660nm + 450nm) is widely used due to its beneficial effects on plant growth. So how do different wavelengths of light affect plant growth? How can we scientifically select the appropriate LED chips for plant growth? This article provides a detailed analysis.

1. Why Do Plant Growth LED Chips Use a Red-Blue Light Combination?

Plant photosynthesis mainly relies on chlorophyll and carotenoids, which absorb different wavelengths of light at varying efficiencies. Studies have shown that plants absorb the most light in the red (600-700nm) and blue (400-500nm) ranges, making these two spectra essential in LED grow lights.

Red Light (660nm):

• Promotes plant growth by stimulating cell elongation, leading to thicker stems.
• Enhances photosynthesis and increases light energy conversion efficiency.
• Regulates photoperiod and promotes flowering and fruit expansion.

Blue Light (450nm):

• Helps chlorophyll synthesis and improves photosynthetic efficiency.
• Enhances stomatal regulation, improving water and nutrient absorption.
• Affects plant morphology, leading to more compact growth and thicker leaves.

Thus, plant growth LED lighting systems often use a red-to-blue light ratio of 3:1 or 4:1, where 660nm red light dominates while 450nm blue light serves as a supplementary light source, catering to different growth stages.

2. How Different Wavelengths Affect Plant Growth

Apart from the commonly used red and blue light, different wavelengths of light also impact plant development in various ways. The table below summarizes the effects of different light spectra on plants:

Photoperiod Control & the Role of Far-Red Light

A plant’s photoperiod (Photoperiodism) influences its growth cycle, determining when it flowers or enters dormancy. For example:

• Short-day plants (e.g., chrysanthemums, soybeans) flower when nights are longer (fall/winter).
• Long-day plants (e.g., wheat, spinach) flower when days are longer (spring/summer).

Far-red light (700-750nm) plays a role in photoperiod regulation. A moderate amount can promote seed germination and stem elongation, but excessive far-red light may lead to leggy, weak plants.

3. How to Choose the Right Plant Growth LED Chips?

When selecting plant growth LED chips, it’s important to consider not just the spectrum but also power, light intensity, and heat dissipation, ensuring stable performance and longevity.

(1) Spectrum Selection: Different Growth Stages Require Different Spectra

Different plants have varying spectral needs at different growth stages. Below are recommended spectra for various phases:

• Seedling Stage (Leaf Development): Higher proportion of blue light (450nm) for photosynthesis enhancement and stable growth.
• Vegetative Growth Stage (Stem & Leaf Development): Red-to-blue ratio of 3:1, enhancing chlorophyll synthesis.
• Flowering Stage (Fruit Production): Higher proportion of red light (660nm) to promote bud formation and increase yield.
• Full-Cycle Cultivation (e.g., hydroponic vegetables, indoor farming): A well-balanced red-blue ratio of 4:1 for optimal growth.
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(2) Power Selection: How to Determine the Right Wattage?

The required power of plant growth LED chips depends on the cultivation environment and crop type. Here are general recommendations:

• Home Gardening (e.g., potted plants, herbs): 20W - 50W per square meter
• Greenhouse Cultivation (e.g., vegetables, fruits): 100W - 300W per square meter
• Industrial Farming (e.g., large-scale agriculture, medicinal plants): 400W+ per square meter

The power requirement varies based on light source distance and plant species. It's essential to optimize settings for the best results.

(3) Heat Dissipation: A Key Factor in LED Longevity

The lifespan of LED chips is heavily influenced by heat dissipation. Excessive heat accelerates light decay and reduces illumination intensity. High-quality LED grow lights typically incorporate aluminum substrates, active cooling fans, or passive heat sinks to ensure long-term stable operation.

4. Future Trends in Plant Growth LED Technology

As technology advances, plant lighting LEDs are evolving in the following directions:
1. Smart Control: Integration with IoT (Internet of Things) and automated farming systems allows remote adjustment of light duration and spectrum ratios, improving efficiency.
2. Full-Spectrum LEDs: Future LED grow lights will not just rely on red and blue light but also include green, yellow, and far-red light, creating a more balanced spectrum and enhancing crop quality.
3. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability: The next generation of LED chips will further reduce power consumption while increasing photoelectric conversion efficiency, making agricultural lighting more environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

In modern agricultural lighting, the spectral choice of plant growth LED chips plays a crucial role in crop development. The combination of 660nm red light and 450nm blue light is the most commonly used configuration, effectively enhancing photosynthesis, plant growth, flowering, and fruiting.

When selecting plant growth LED chips, it's essential to adjust the light spectrum according to different growth stages and consider power, heat dissipation, and smart control capabilities to ensure stable light performance and maximize crop yield.

If you are looking for high-quality plant growth LED chips, feel free to contact us. We provide the best plant lighting solutions for your needs!