How much light is coming from Essex County greenhouses? Researchers want to know

Withthe help ofdrones, experts arelooking to shed some light on the issue of greenhouse illuminationin Essex County.

The research project is beingled by the University of Guelph and engineering professorWilliam Lubitz.

Speaking with CBC Radio's Windsor Morning on Friday, Lubitzsaid that measuring the light created by the commercial greenhousesis more complicatedthan it sounds.

"It's very difficult to measure it consistently and to measure it in a way where it will be comparable to other cases, so like if we want to compare the greenhouses to the football stadiums," he said.

In the last few years, the night skies in the countyhave gotten a glow-up, with bright purple, orange and yellow hues emanating from greenhouses where vegetables and cannabis are grown.The controversial makeover has left municipalities and some residents, well,not exactlybeaming.

"It does make an impression no argumentthere especially on those foggy orcloudy nights," Lubitz said.

It's also prompted action from municipalities such as Leamington and Kingsville, whichhave passedbylaws telling growers to cut the lights.

Curtains work to cut the light,researcher says

One solution isto block the lightat the source, within the greenhouses themselves, using curtains. According to Lubitz, theycan bring the level of lightdown to one per cent, but the solution isn't without complications.

"Thoseplantsmake moisture, those plants need the right temperatures not too hot, not too cold and when you close those curtains, you also block the ventilation. You block one of the main ways you can control that environment inside the greenhouse."

The first drone flights were completed last winter, as part of athree-year project.

Lubitz said the growth of Ontario's greenhouse industryhas been "really impressive to watch."

"The growers are getting better. They're getting more experience. The number of crops is increasing. So it's a fascinating industry that's able to provide more and more to Ontarians," he said."But it has come with some complications."

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