IMPACT OF LIGHT INTENSITY AND LUMINAIRE TYPE ON BASIL YIELD: INSIGHTS FROM A HYDROPONIC URBAN AGRICULTURE SYSTEM

This study investigates the impact of different artificial lighting systems on the growth and yield of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) within a controlled hydroponic environment. Aimed at comparing the effectiveness of several luminaire types, the research is identifying the optimal lighting conditions that enhance plant growth and productivity in an urban agriculture setting. The experiment was conducted in a 40" HQ shipping container using a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system. Basil plants were grown under five different luminaire types (A, B, C, D, E) at varying light intensities (200, 230, 250, 260, and 275 μmol/m²/s) with 3 repetitions. Plant growth parameters, including weight, green plant part length, and total yield per square meter, were measured from 11 plants per growth board (55 plants in each test) after a cultivation period of 27 days post-transplantation. The findings demonstrated significant variations in plant yield and growth characteristics across the different lighting setups. Luminaire C consistently provided the highest yields, particularly at the 260 μmol/m²/s intensity, suggesting its lighting configuration offers optimal conditions for basil production. In contrast, Luminaires D and B showed lower yields, indicating less favourable growth environments under their specific lighting conditions. Statistical analysis revealed that there were observable trends in yield enhancement under specific lamps. Additionally, the study highlighted variations in plant uniformity. In terms of plant uniformity, the standard deviations in length and weight were lowest under Luminaire B, emphasizing its potential for producing uniform crops, a crucial factor in commercial horticulture. The study underscores the critical role of selecting appropriate lighting technologies to maximize plant growth in controlled environment agriculture. By identifying the most effective luminaire types and light intensities, the research contributes valuable insights toward optimizing urban agricultural practices and enhancing the sustainability of food production systems.