Clear Skies, Thriving Agriculture

Recent research has highlighted the increasing nighttime light emissions from greenhouses, particularly during autumn and winter, which can disrupt neighboring communities. A multi-year project initiated in 2020 has led to the development of Best Management Practices (BMPs) aimed at mitigating these disruptions while also improving the greenhouse environment. Key findings indicate that proper management of supplemental lighting, including the use of light abatement curtains, can reduce light pollution and enhance energy efficiency. Recommendations for producers include gapping ceiling curtains to ventilate greenhouses, employing long-photoperiod low-intensity lighting strategies to minimize environmental fluctuations, and utilizing supplemental lighting before sunrise to manage temperatures effectively. Additionally, new technologies, such as through-curtain fans and dehumidification systems, are also being explored to help optimize growing conditions. This research, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG), seeks to balance agricultural productivity with community impact.

Clear Skies, Thriving Agriculture

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