LED lighting systems as one of the technical approaches for indoor horticultural systems of the future inFarming®

Securing food for a growing world population, loss of fertile soils by urbanization, erosion and desertification and change of precipitation patterns due to climate change and negative impacts of conventional agriculture - these are the factors making it inevitable to develop new concepts for a resource efficient food production. Moreover urban horticultural systems can contribute to enhance the supply of urban inhabitants with high quality products. Especially fresh vegetables such as tomatoes or cucumbers are grown hydroponically in protected horticulture already in significant rates where soil-independent water-based systems are used to ensure the supply of the vegetables. The site conditions are only linked to light, water, heat and nutrient availability. These four factors can be found without any difficulties in urban areas. By integrating food production into new or existing building technologies (inFARMING®) synergies of the greenhouse and the original building can be used effectively. As part of our work we will present new results of demonstration plant experiments for intelligent grow light systems. Regarding new requirements in indoor farming applications, growth conditions of plants concerning concentrations of the active ingredients can be regulated among others by adapting the light spectrum. Experiments are performed by using basil (Ocimum basilicum), lovage (Levisticum officinale), lamb's lettuce (Valerianella), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), and chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris). In this publication the technology is demonstrated by the example chard and the light-optimized production of the flavonoids formed by the plants. Furthermore the presented work will give an overview to further needs as of predictive lighting systems and responds to large scale test facilities and will show first drafts of a Demonstration and Test Centre in Germany to be built. LED lighting systems as one of the technical approaches for indoor horticultural systems of the future