Written by Mary Wicks and Peter Ring
We are all looking for technology that helps us do things smarter, such as growing crops in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. Whether grown in a greenhouse or an indoor farm, different plants require different conditions at different growth stages for optimal growth and development. Managing the varying lighting, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2), and fertilizer needs of each species and variety can be a challenge. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) is helping growers monitor conditions in different plant zones and control inputs more precisely.
The use of dynamic lighting shows the potential of this technology. Dynamic lighting allows you to adjust light intensity based not only on the needs of your crops, but also on changing environmental conditions such as variations in day length and natural light levels. Additionally, the light spectrum can be adjusted to fine-tune growth, nutritional quality, and taste. For example, a high red-to-blue ratio improves leaf growth and stem elongation, while a low red-to-blue ratio results in thicker leaves. The ideal light spectrum depends on the plant’s growth stage and desired results.
Learn what growers can do to improve crop quality and yield
On January 25 and 26, 2024, CEA growers will have the opportunity to learn strategies for using dynamic cultivation techniques to improve the quality and yield of ornamental and food crops. The Ohio State University Greenhouse Management Workshop is held annually and brings together experts from industry and academia to provide practical, science-based information. This year’s workshop will be held on the Worcester campus with a virtual option and will focus on the theme “Dynamic Growth.”
Thursday morning, OSU researchers will focus on fundamentals such as plant responses to aerobic environmental conditions, plant nutrition and monitoring for dynamic growth, and topics related to pest control and engineering. In the afternoon, participants will tour the campus’ greenhouses and learn about current research, then learn about the basics of plant pathology, before diving deeper into dynamic monitoring and lighting.
Friday morning speakers will continue to explore advanced aspects of dynamic cultivation, including environmental set points as well as CO2, lighting, irrigation, and curtain control. The afternoon will include a tour of the Ohio Controlled Environmental Agriculture Center (OHCEAC) located on the OSU Columbus campus. Launched in 2022, OHCEAC will expand opportunities for collaboration between researchers and industry, discover, develop, and deploy science-based knowledge to CEA stakeholders and support integrated research, education, and innovation. The program aims to expand opportunities to solve highly complex challenges. .
Pesticide recertification continuing education credits are being applied for in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. The flyer (see website) will be updated with credits once approved. For more information about the program and registration, please visit our website: https://go.osu.edu/greenhouse-2024.
Mary H. Wicks and Dr. Peter Ring, Department of Food, Agricultural and Biotechnology; Phone: 330.202.3533; 330.263.3857. Email: wicks.14@osu.edu and ling.23@osu.edu. This column is sponsored by the OSU College of Food, Agricultural and Biotechnology, OSU Extension, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, and the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.