Sollum Technologies and Leaficient Launch Revolutionary Plant-Responsive LED Lighting Solution
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Sollum Technologies and Leaficient have unveiled a state-of-the-art LED lighting solution designed to adapt responsively to the growth needs of plants. Traditional lighting systems within agriculture have relied on the Daily Light Integral (DLI) to optimize plant growth. However, recent insights reveal that plant productivity is influenced by a host of factors including environmental conditions and internal physiological responses which traditional methods fail to take into account.
Recognizing these limitations, the innovative team from Sollum and Leaficient has developed an advanced closed-loop, plant-adaptive dynamic lighting system. This system uniquely adjusts in real time, depending on the plants' productivity and growth metrics. With Leaficient's cutting-edge monitoring technology, the system measures photosynthetic efficiency, allowing for precise adjustments of light intensity tailored to the specific needs of various plant types.
François R-Moisan, the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Sollum Technologies, emphasized the shortcomings of conventional lighting strategies, stating, "Today’s lighting strategies are outdated because they don't take into account the actual efficiency of light absorption by plants. Growers are often paying for photons that plants are not using effectively." By integrating Leaficient's advanced measurement systems with its dynamic LED solutions, Sollum hopes to ensure optimal utilization of light, leading not only to improved energy efficiency but also to increased crop yields.
This new dynamic lighting approach signifies a pivotal shift in horticultural practices. Brian Stancil, co-founder and CEO of Leaficient, noted, "The future of horticultural lighting isn't just about delivering more light—it's about delivering the right light at the right time." By emphasizing real-time productivity rather than relying solely on static schedules, this technology aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of crop management.
The collaboration holds significant implications for greenhouse operators and vertical farms, who often face challenges associated with outdated lighting strategies that excessively compensate for growth stages with unnecessary energy consumption. The intelligent lighting system introduced by Sollum and Leaficient effectively adapts to the biological rhythms of plants, optimizing performance through every developmental stage. This precise control over lighting not only aids in proper growth but also facilitates enhanced control over fruiting and flowering times, potentially improving the quality and characteristics of the produce.
As industry professionals seek innovative solutions, Sollum Technologies will be displaying their advancements at Indoor Ag-Con, taking place on March 11-12, at booth 1125, where they will showcase how this next generation of precision lighting control can transform agricultural operations.
With a commitment to sustainability and efficiency, Sollum Technologies prides itself on offering the only fully dynamic LED lighting solution that modulates light to mimic sunlight spectrum conditions. Their cloud-based platform, known as the SUN as a Service®, allows users to access a myriad of light recipes adaptable to varying growth stages, ensuring energy savings, improved productivity, and superior produce.
Leaficient, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, brings a fresh approach to agricultural practices through its AI-driven solutions. Their main product, HeliOS, merges remote sensing with artificial intelligence to provide actionable insights for growers, fostering a data-driven and sustainable farming environment. With support from institutions like the National Science Foundation and Carnegie Mellon University, Leaficient's innovative approach signals a promising future for modern agriculture.
This partnership not only demonstrates how advanced technology can contribute to agricultural practices but also highlights a shift towards more intelligent, responsive farming solutions that prioritize both yield and sustainability. As environmental concerns and the need for efficient resource management rise, the impact of such technologies in enhancing agricultural productivity while reducing energy costs cannot be understated. Sollum Technologies and Leaficient are poised to lead the charge in revolutionizing how lighting systems are integrated into farming practices, paving the way for a new era in sustainable agriculture.