Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) has gained a strong momentum from the
inception of LED lighting for cultivation in the early 2000’s in Japan. An ability to create
the environment most conducive to cultivation of specific types of crops has proven to be
effective in dramatically increasing yields per area; improving the quality of the product;
eliminating needs for pesticides and fungicide due to limiting exposure to pathogens and
effective IPM practices; and significantly reducing water consumption. Despite these
advantages, the sheer amount of energy required for artificial lighting and HVACD
systems has been an impediment to a broader dissemination of the indoor cultivation
practices. Read More