Plant pioneers aim high with smart light solutions

Scientists are developing a multi-tiered, hydroponic crop growing system making revolutionary use of solar-powered LED lights.

The new University of Plymouth project, ‘Plant Factory Cornwall’, aims to use solar-driven artificial lighting to create the ideal conditions in which fruit and vegetables can flourish, potentially offsetting the threats that unpredictable weather and climate change pose to food production.

Led by Professor of Plant Physiology Mick Fuller and Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Dr Hail Rihan, the project is based in a production unit on the campus built in partnership with Penzance-based firm SolaGrow.

LED lights can be individually programmed to automatically change their output within the structure to give a precise light ‘recipe’ for each species.

Scientists will monitor the effects, looking at ways to boost plants’ photosynthetic processes, ensuring they absorb and use the maximum amount possible for physiological activity, rather than it going to waste.

Professor Fuller says: “The positive health benefits of fruit and vegetables are well known, as is the need to double food production in order to meet the demands of a growing population. But how do you do that when climate change, as we have seen this summer, means we cannot rely on having the right conditions for crops to thrive every year? That is where facilities like the Plant Factory come in.

“We can use artificial LED lighting to create the optimum conditions for individual species to flourish. But we can also explore ways to work with farmers and businesses in Cornwall and further afield, to enable them to meet the demands placed on them whatever the weather and reduce the need for food imports.

“Regional outputs of fruit, vegetables and salads could be boosted, along with quality aspects such as taste, texture and appearance. It would be a win-win situation.”

Professor Fuller adds: “In recent years, so many farmers have used redundant buildings or land to diversify away from farming. But this could offer them an affordable way to diversify back into crop production. There really is no limit to the size or scale of these facilities.”

The groundbreaking work is supported by the Agri-tech Cornwall Project – a £9.6m initiative, running to March 2020, to increase research, development and innovation in the agri-tech sector.  Part-funded by the £7.2 m from the European Regional Development Fund, with match-funding from Cornwall Council, the Council for the Isles of Scilly and research partners, Agri-tech Cornwall helps small and medium-sized companies and organisations develop ideas to improve efficiency, profitability and resilience.

Robin Jackson, Director of the Agri-tech Cornwall Project, says: “This is a brilliant example of how novel thinking could provide solutions to some of the biggest challenges that agriculture and horticulture face. This could potentially redefine how high-value crops are grown and provide growers with new markets.”

Find out more about Agri-tech Cornwall.