Case study by Heliospectra AB.
Bridge Farm Group was looking for a way to standardize the quality and yield of their crop week over week, enabling them to grow consistently year-round.
After testing several LED suppliers, Bridge Farm Group ultimately decided on Heliospectra’s highly efficient and modular MITRA fixture.
Key Takeaways
- 10 days faster production. The average growth cycle of basil decreased from 56 to 46 days.
- 25% increase in pot density, as MITRA light fixtures penetrate deeper into the canopy.
- 40% less energy consumption, when compared to HPS (High Pressure Sodium) lights.
About Bridge Farm
What started as a small family-run nursery in 1988, has evolved throughout the years and grown into one of the UKs’ leading producers of plants, flowers, and produce.
Today Bridge Farm Group sells more than 80 million units per year, using the most innovative techniques in the industry. Bridge Farm produces some of the UK’s highest quality outdoor plants, culinary herbs, flowers, and stems, supplying retailers and consumers across the globe.
The Challenges
Located in the heart of the Fens, Bridge Farm Group experiences great summers but long and dark winters. They were looking for a way to standardize the quality and yield of their crop week over week, enabling them to grow consistently year-round.
Bridge Farm Group needed to fill the light gap spanning from October to the end of March. With a target daily light integral (DLI) in mind, Bridge Farm started looking at supplemental lighting options for their new greenhouse facility. Ultimately, they decided to turn to more energy efficient LEDs instead of traditional horticultural HPS lights.
The Solution
After testing several LED suppliers, Bridge Farm Group ultimately decided on Heliospectra’s highly efficient and modular MITRA fixture. A spectral trial was conducted to help Bridge Farm choose the best light spectrum for their greenhouse environment.
The trial demonstrated that spectral quality highly influences plant growth performance during the autumn and winter production seasons. By using the MITRA with the Bellatrix broad spectrum, Bridge Farm was able to grow their potted herbs taller and faster.
The Results
By using the Heliospectra MITRA LEDs, Bridge Farm Group managed to reduce operating costs, increase yield, speed up production and improve their plant health and quality.
Bridge Farm Group is now achieving consistent, high-quality crops year-round.
Reduced
Operating Cost
With the installation of the
Heliospectra LEDs Bridge Farm
experiences direct cost savings:
• 40% energy savings compared
to traditional HPS
• Energy savings didn’t
compromise plant quality
Increased
Yield Output
The high-quality spectrum and light output are penetrating the canopy of the plants better, resulting in:
• Increased plant density
• 10 days faster production
• More pots per growth cycle
Improved
Plant Quality
Thanks to a balanced spectrum & optimised light output year-round, Bridge Farm Group has seen:
• Sturdier seedlings
• Improved uniform growth,
aroma and taste
• Reduced tip burn