Shafter Research Station selects LumiGrow LEDs

Established in 1922 as the USDA Shafter Cotton Research Station, the site faced closure in 2012 when federal funds were withdrawn. A community of growers and elected officials rallied to save the site as a non-profit research facility. Today, Shafter Research remains a world-leading center for cotton research. Scientists in residence investigate critical challenges facing cotton growers including long-term drought and the soil-borne pathogen FOV4. 

 

Since the change in leadership from the US government to a public-private partnership, a broader scope of research is underway at the 80-acre Shafter facility. This reflects the diversification of crops grown in the region, including carrots, cucumbers, grapes, squash, tomatoes and zucchini. Shafter Research is also the site of studies on honeybee health, of tremendous significance to the region's almond growers as well as cross-pollinating crop producers around the globe.

 

Leading agricultural institutions and agribusinesses lease space at the Shafter Research, attracted by technologies like the LumiGrow LED light system. The LumiGrow solution enables the customization of greenhouse lighting based on factors including region, climate, crop type and desired crop characteristics. By tuning light levels and spectra in accordance with plant needs, greenhouse operators boost crop yield and quality while they gain electrical cost savings of up to 70 percent compared to conventional greenhouse lighting.

 

For more info on Shafter click here.