What are the PAR, PPF, and PPFD metrics for ideal LED grow lights?

  • PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) is how light is measured (mol⋅m2⋅s1). In other words, it measures the spectrum of light wavelengths (400-700 nm) that plants use for photosynthesis.
  • PPF (Photosynthetic Photon Flux) quantifies the total light output of a grow light fixture. In other words, the total amount of PAR emitted by an LED grow light per second.
  • PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density) assesses the intensity of PAR at a specific point within the plant canopy, indicating how effectively the light penetrates and covers the area.

  • These metrics are crucial for evaluating the suitability of LED grow lights for plant growth, as higher PPF and uniform PPFD distribution are generally desired for optimal photosynthesis and yield in indoor horticulture.