At Kalpakghar, we have a unique biology experiment that blends science, observation, and hands-on learning. In our plant growth section, we have set up an innovative experiment to study the effects of different colored LED lights on plant growth. Visitors can watch firsthand how plants react to various light conditions and see the tangible effects of light on their growth patterns.
This experiment not only captivates those curious about biology, but it also encourages visitors to think about how light influences living organisms. With the ability to change the color of the light, the experiment provides insight into the scientific principles of plant biology, photosynthesis, and how light wavelengths impact plant development.
How the Experiment Works: The Role of Light in Plant Growth
Plants require light to undergo photosynthesis, a process in which they convert light energy into chemical energy to fuel their growth. However, not all light is equal, and different wavelengths (colors) of light can have different effects on plant health and development. Here at Kalpakghar, we experiment with these various light wavelengths to observe how different colors influence plant growth. Here’s how the setup works:
- Plant Varieties and Setup:
- We use a variety of small plants housed in separate planters. These plants serve as the subjects of our experiment, and each planter is carefully monitored for changes as we expose them to different light conditions.
- The plants are arranged on a stand that allows easy adjustment of light positioning. This stand is equipped with a LED lighting system that can change the color of the light, enabling us to expose the plants to different colors, such as red, blue, green, and even white.
- Lighting System and Color Variation:
- The LED lights are a crucial part of the experiment, as different colors of light affect the plant’s growth in distinct ways. For example, blue light is known to encourage vegetative growth, while red light can help with flowering and fruiting. We can change the color of the light at any time during the experiment, providing a dynamic and interactive experience for our visitors.
- Red LED Lights: Often used to promote flowering and fruit production in plants. Red light wavelengths stimulate certain plant hormones that promote blooming and fruit-bearing stages.
- Blue LED Lights: These wavelengths are crucial for encouraging leaf and stem growth. Blue light is typically used in the vegetative phase to stimulate photosynthesis and overall plant health.
- Green LED Lights: While plants reflect green light, it plays a less significant role in photosynthesis. However, it still contributes to overall plant health and can be used to study subtle effects on growth and development.
- White LED Lights: Mimicking natural sunlight, white light provides a broad spectrum of wavelengths, supporting general plant growth and photosynthesis.
- Monitoring Plant Growth:
- Over time, we closely monitor and measure the plants’ growth by recording height, leaf development, and overall health. Each plant is observed under various light conditions to note any differences in growth patterns, such as the number of leaves, the size of the leaves, and how quickly the plants grow.
- We record growth rates and compare how plants perform under different light colors. For example, does a plant grow taller under red light, or does it have larger leaves under blue light? These are questions we explore with every experiment.
| Duration | Light colour | Plant growth | Plant Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 week | Red | ||
| 1 week | Blue | ||
| 1 week | Red + Blue | ||
| 1 week | Magenta | ||
| 1 week | White | ||
| 1 week | Red+Magenta | ||
| 1 week | Blue + Magenta |
Reference table for study (in progress, soon will share the outcomes of this study)
