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What is diffuse light?

Diffuse light is light that scatters over the crop from all sides. Therefore it is evenly distributed, causing no sharp shadows on the crops. Diffuse light arises when direct light is scattered naturally (e.g. by clouds) or with artificial means (e.g. a diffuse coating). By harnessing the power of diffuse light, growers can maximize photosynthesis, minimize stress on plants, and achieve higher yields. Whether it's embracing natural scattering or employing advanced technologies, the benefits of diffuse light are undeniable, propelling greenhouse farming to new heights of productivity and sustainability.
What is diffuse light
Roger de Jagher
Specialist Shading and Coating | May 20, 2022 | 3 min. reading time 

Diffuse light in the greenhouse

Diffuse light is increasingly used in the cultivation of vegetable and ornamental crops in greenhouse farming. Research shows that direct light is not optimal for photosynthesis. By applying diffuse light, the light is better distributed over the crops. You can emulate this by applying a diffuse coating to the glasshouse roof. The coating does not damage the crops and creates a higher light intensity without wasting light.
Numerous accounts abound concerning diffused glass and diffused light. But what precisely is diffused light? What distinguishes a coating from a chalking agent? In this video we answers these questions

Advantages of diffuse light for plants

Diffuse light has a number of advantages for your crop:
  • Diffuse light does not cause shading in your greenhouse,
  • The light penetrates deeper into the crop, allowing the plant to absorb more CO2 and then processing it into more stable growth, production and quality.
  • A higher CO2 content is possible by closing the windows; 
  • Reduces crop stress due to no direct sunlight onto the plant;
  • There is a lower plant temperature, which ensures more even growth.
  • Diffuse light ensures higher production and better quality of a crop.

In addition, the diffuse light has an advantage for employees in the greenhouse: the inside temperature is lower when using a diffuse coating, creating a more pleasant working climate especially on hot summer days.
Diffuse light

Applications of diffuse coatings

There are various applications for obtaining diffuse light in a greenhouse, including the application of a diffuse coating. This is the easiest, most flexible and cheapest way and is therefore the most widely used. You can also choose to have a greenhouse fitted with diffuse glass (this is glass with a permanent coating). Unlike permanent coatings, diffuse coatings can be easily removed at the end of the season with a removal agent. Once the greenhouse deck is completely clean, you can once again take advantage of all the useful light.
In this video we explain how a diffuse coating work

Diffuse light increases yield in tomato, pepper and other crops

Particularly in high-rising crops such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumber crops, light distribution is not optimal. In these crops, the upper leaves capture a lot of light, more than is used for photosynthesis. The lower layers of the crop, on the other hand, receive too little light so that the lower leaves hardly contribute to photosynthesis and growth. Diffuse light penetrates deeper into the crop and therefore gives a better horizontal and vertical light distribution. This increases photosynthesis, lowers the head temperature at high irradiance and thus reduces the risk of photo-inhibition. Photosynthesis lowers the head temperature at high irradiance and thus reduces the chance of photoinhibition. For tomatoes, a production increase of up to 10% can be achieved with diffuse glass, provided the light transmission of the greenhouse roof is not exceeded. Want to know how you can increase your yield through diffused light? Then download our Whitepaper for more information. 
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Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Roger de Jagher will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.

What is diffuse light?

Diffuse light is light that scatters over the crop from all sides. Therefore it is evenly distributed, causing no sharp shadows on the crops. Diffuse light arises when direct light is scattered naturally (e.g. by clouds) or with artificial means (e.g. a diffuse coating). By harnessing the power of diffuse light, growers can maximize photosynthesis, minimize stress on plants, and achieve higher yields. Whether it's embracing natural scattering or employing advanced technologies, the benefits of diffuse light are undeniable, propelling greenhouse farming to new heights of productivity and sustainability.
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Roger de Jagher
Roger de Jagher
Specialist Shading and Coating | May 20, 2022 | 3 min. reading time 
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What is diffuse light

Diffuse light in the greenhouse

Diffuse light is increasingly used in the cultivation of vegetable and ornamental crops in greenhouse farming. Research shows that direct light is not optimal for photosynthesis. By applying diffuse light, the light is better distributed over the crops. You can emulate this by applying a diffuse coating to the glasshouse roof. The coating does not damage the crops and creates a higher light intensity without wasting light.
Numerous accounts abound concerning diffused glass and diffused light. But what precisely is diffused light? What distinguishes a coating from a chalking agent? In this video we answers these questions

Advantages of diffuse light for plants

Diffuse light has a number of advantages for your crop:
  • Diffuse light does not cause shading in your greenhouse,
  • The light penetrates deeper into the crop, allowing the plant to absorb more CO2 and then processing it into more stable growth, production and quality.
  • A higher CO2 content is possible by closing the windows; 
  • Reduces crop stress due to no direct sunlight onto the plant;
  • There is a lower plant temperature, which ensures more even growth.
  • Diffuse light ensures higher production and better quality of a crop.

In addition, the diffuse light has an advantage for employees in the greenhouse: the inside temperature is lower when using a diffuse coating, creating a more pleasant working climate especially on hot summer days.
Diffuse light

Applications of diffuse coatings

There are various applications for obtaining diffuse light in a greenhouse, including the application of a diffuse coating. This is the easiest, most flexible and cheapest way and is therefore the most widely used. You can also choose to have a greenhouse fitted with diffuse glass (this is glass with a permanent coating). Unlike permanent coatings, diffuse coatings can be easily removed at the end of the season with a removal agent. Once the greenhouse deck is completely clean, you can once again take advantage of all the useful light.
In this video we explain how a diffuse coating work

Diffuse light increases yield in tomato, pepper and other crops

Particularly in high-rising crops such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumber crops, light distribution is not optimal. In these crops, the upper leaves capture a lot of light, more than is used for photosynthesis. The lower layers of the crop, on the other hand, receive too little light so that the lower leaves hardly contribute to photosynthesis and growth. Diffuse light penetrates deeper into the crop and therefore gives a better horizontal and vertical light distribution. This increases photosynthesis, lowers the head temperature at high irradiance and thus reduces the risk of photo-inhibition. Photosynthesis lowers the head temperature at high irradiance and thus reduces the chance of photoinhibition. For tomatoes, a production increase of up to 10% can be achieved with diffuse glass, provided the light transmission of the greenhouse roof is not exceeded. Want to know how you can increase your yield through diffused light? Then download our Whitepaper for more information. 
Related products
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Roger de Jagher will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Roger de Jagher
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How to use a diffuse coating?
In the horticultural sector, diffused light is increasingly used by means of a diffuse coating. This coating scatters the light into the crop and ensures that a crop is not damaged due to too much light. At the same time, there is no loss of light when using a diffuse coating.
Which different diffuse coatings are available?
Every crop has other needs in case of light and warmth. Therefore various diffuse coatings have been developed that differ fromm each other in terms of light distribution (Haze) and light transmittance (transmission).
Whitepaper - Shading agents and diffuse coatings
Many crops cannot withstand full sun, high temperatures, or both. In that case, a chalk agent and/or diffuse coating is the solution. But which different products are there?