WAYS TO CONTROL

(Paper)

Light is an essential factor for the growth and development of plants. It provides energy for
photosynthesis, which is essential for the production of food and oxygen. However, controlling light
factors on plants can be beneficial in certain situations. There are several methods that can be employed
to control light factors on plants.

 SHADING
Shading is a method for limiting the quantity of sunlight that reaches plants. This is done to
shield crops from direct sunlight, which under certain circumstances can be harmful.
Benefits of Shading:
1. Modulates Light Intensity - Too much light can be just as dangerous as not enough. Farmers
can effectively modulate the amount of light that reaches their crops by using a shading
technique. The nets filter sunlight, allowing plants to grow in the proper amount of light
without being burned.
2. Reduction of Water Evaporation – Shading plays a crucial role in conserving water. They
provide shade and reduce sunlight on soil, helping to minimize water evaporation from the
soil surface. This keeps the soil wet for longer, reducing how often you need to water and
saving this valuable resource.
3. Reduced Pest Pressure - Shaded crops are less attractive to certain pests, reducing the need
for chemical pesticides.
4. Enhanced Crop Quality - Crops grow well and taste good when they have good growing
conditions. Shaded crops can produce higher quality produce with fewer blemishes and sun
damage.

 ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING
Growing crops under artificial light is a revolutionary scientific farm practice. In this process, the
artificial technique is being practiced without the use of sunlight. It is usually done through
hydroponics, aeroponics, or using container gardens. The artificial light is provided by grow
lamps or daylighting systems.
Benefits of Artificial Lighting:
1. Extend growing season. With traditional farming methods, plants are limited by natural
sunlight availability. However, with artificial lighting, farmers can provide a consistent light
source regardless of weather conditions or time of year. This means that crops can be grown
continuously, resulting in higher yields and greater profitability.
2. Controllable plant growth. Artificial lighting allows for precise control over plant growth. By
adjusting the intensity and duration of light exposure, farmers can manipulate various
aspects of plant development such as flowering time and fruit production. This level of
control enables farmers to optimize crop quality and tailor their produce to meet specific
market demands.
3. Provides opportunity for urban and/or indoor gardening. In densely populated areas where
land is scarce or contaminated, vertical farming using artificial lights offers a sustainable
solution. It allows individuals to grow fresh produce locally without relying on long-distance
transportation or harmful pesticides.
  PHOTOPERIOD MANIPULATION
Photoperiodism refers to the ability of plants to determine the time of day and year by detecting
wavelengths of sunlight. Photoperiodism helps plants detect seasonal changes. This is important
because it enables plants to adapt to these changes, increasing their chances of survival and
reproduction.

(PowerPoint)

There are several methods on how to control light factors on plants.

 SHADING – it is a method for limiting the quantity of sunlight that reaches plants.
Benefits of Shading:
1. Modulates Light
2. Reduction of Water
3. Reduced Pest Pressure
4. Enhanced Crop Quality

 ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING - Artificial lighting on plants refers to the use of man-made light sources to
provide illumination for plant growth and development.
Benefits of Artificial Lighting:
1. Extend growing season
2. Controllable plant growth
3. Provides opportunity for urban and/or indoor gardening

 PHOTOPERIOD MANIPULATION – It refers to the deliberate alteration of the duration of light and
darkness periods that a plant is exposed to.

REFERENCES:

Shading in Agriculture | Shade Nets :: (n.d.). https://www.shadenets.co.ke/shading-in-agriculture.html

Qibang. (2023, September 7). 10 Essential Benefits Of Farming Shade Net - You Need To Know. QiBang.
https://qibangnetting.com/blog/farming-shade-net/

Hajdu, I. (2021). Farming under artificial light as a response to future food demands. AGRIVI.
https://www.agrivi.com/blog/farming-under-artificial-light-as-a-response-to-future-food-demands/

Photoperiodism. (n.d.). StudySmarter UK. https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/biology/plant-

biology/photoperiodism/

Staff, T. (n.d.). Artificial Lighting In Agriculture -The New Age Advanced Technique. tractornews.in.
https://tractornews.in/articles/artificial-lighting-in-agriculture-the-new-age-advanced-technique/
#:~:text=Thorough%20research%20has%20shown%20that,improve%20farmers'%20standard%20of
%20living.