Simulating light spectrum within a soybean canopy in an LED growth chamber

Abstract

Knowledge on the effect of light spectra on different crops is important in the exploration of possibilities to regulate crop growth and quality with LED lighting. Functional structural plant modelling can be an important tool to cope with the large number of experimental treatments necessary to identify the effect of specific wavelengths and the interaction with other environmental factors. Therefore, the objectives were to create a virtual environment that can simulate light intensity and spectrum within a soybean canopy grown within an LED growth chamber. Measurements were made at two dates, on two plant sets and at two placements. Simulated light intensities were accurate with a R2 between 0.798 and 0.956; mean absolute percentage errors between 5.85 and 35.14 % and simulated change in light spectrum below the canopy changed similar to the measurements. The chosen GPUFlux model in GroIMP can be used for functional structural plant modelling in response to light spectra and intensity and to explore an optimal experimental design within an LED chamber.