Adding or Changing Greenhouse Lighting? Don’t Forget to Adjust Humidity Control

Horticulture magazine, HortiDaily, recently published an interview with DryGair agronomist, Amir Kandlik. Kandlik discussed the connection between greenhouse lighting and humidity, and the importance of balancing the two.

The following are excerpts from the original article. Read the full interview on HortiDaily.

Lights have a major impact on greenhouse humidity. When adding lights or changing the type of lighting, it’s important to consider how it will affect humidity. In most cases, it’s necessary to increase your dehumidification capacity to compensate for the extra moisture.

How Does Light Impact Humidity?

Light affects transpiration in two ways – radiation and heat. When the lights are on, the plants respond by opening their stomata, increasing their ability to absorb air. However, this also increase evaporation from the plants. So higher radiation intensity, or longer lighting hours, increase humidity in the greenhouse.

The second effect light has on transpiration is through heat. A warmer environment leads to more evaporation, up to a certain degree.

It’s important to note that light spectrum also has an effect on evaporation. So even if you’re just changing the type of lighting you use, it’s still important to understand how much of an effect it will have on humidity.

Dehumidification Complements Lighting

Increasing the amount of light in a greenhouse, without increasing your dehumidification capacity, will inevitably lead to high humidity Of course, high humidity leads to problematic disease and mildew outbreaks.

It’s all about finding the right energy balance. Proper planning, considering the effects of additional lighting on humidity, and adjusting dehumidification, accordingly, will provide the best results.

Interested in humidity control solutions for your greenhouse? Please feel free to contact us!