Under-Canopy Lighting: How to Run a Commercial Trial
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Under-canopy lighting can be evaluated like any other cultivation change: define the hypothesis, control the comparison and measure accepted output. A small controlled trial is more informative than applying a generic yield claim to every facility.
Define what you expect to change
Examples include lower-canopy PPFD, lower flower development, trimming labour, total sellable weight or quality distribution. Choose the metrics before the trial starts.
Use comparable zones
Keep genetics, plant count, irrigation, environment, top-light target and crop work as similar as practical between treatment and control zones.
Map light distribution
Record PPFD above, within and below the canopy before and after adding the fixtures. Document fixture position, dimming level and operating hours.
Include electricity and heat
Additional lighting adds electrical consumption and heat. Include these costs when calculating return rather than looking only at harvest weight.
Evaluate accepted product
Compare saleable flower by grade, not only total biomass. Also record plant labour, cleaning, installation and any changes required to irrigation or environment.