Maximum Yield USA December 2017 | Page 54

understanding different grow lights “ LIGHT EMITTING diodes have the capability of having their spectra manipulated to efficiently capture the nuances of the emitted wavelengths.” If HID lights are a practical or more economically viable solution in a certain situation, a combination of both MH and HPS lights may be advisable if the crops being grown are blooming or fruiting crops as opposed to foliage crops like edible greens. These can be operated at the same time or alternated, depending upon the stage of growth; better results will likely result by using both in tandem. Though HID bulbs are not interchangeable with one another, conversion lamps have been available for some time, which allows you to achieve the spectral output of an MH lamp in an HPS fixture. Also, there are double- ended MH lamps that have been recently introduced to the market that can be used as a direct replacement in a compatible HPS fixture. LEDs Light emitting diodes have become the grow light of choice for many professional and hobbyist growers alike. These products can emit light in wavelengths ranging from 250 nm to more than 1,000 nm. Most plants require wavelengths of light ranging from the blue section of the spectrum at about 450 nm to the far-red end of the spectrum at about 730 nm at different times of their development. Light emitting diodes have the capability of having their spectra manipulated to efficiently capture the nuances of the emitted wavelengths. 50 feature