Light Deprivation Problems: Temperature

Can blackout heat and humidity be damaging to plants?

Yes. Humidity and heat can build up inside your greenhouse as a result of the 12/12 light deprivation cycle under black and white poly. When operating a light deprivation greenhouse it is important to supervise and monitor for nutrient deficiencies and pest infestation. 

Monitoring, automatic controllers, ventilation, and light traps can help you keep your plants in optimal environmental conditions. Having good circulatory ventilation is key to avoiding problems. Good airflow helps keep temperatures even, disperses humidity, and prevents air from getting stale while crops are covered.

Auto Light Dep Challenges: Dark Cycle Temperature Management

Reduce heat build-up during the day to start on the right foot managing temperatures during your daily dark cycle. Exhaust fans paired with light traps are an industry-standard way to keep your greenhouse cool during your dark cycle. Light traps allow airflow but block light.

Auto Light Dep Challenges: Light Cycle Temperature Management

You can manage your temperatures during the light cycle in a variety of ways including convection heating, evaporative cooling, and climate batteries (combined underground heating and cooling). There are benefits to different methods depending on your strains, environment, greenhouse size, and budget.

The important thing to keep in mind when managing light cycle temperatures in a light deprivation greenhouse is that the temperature will naturally increase when the blackout cloth is pulled over. Making sure that your greenhouse does not get too hot during the day will help ensure crops do not experience heat stress at night.