Enhanced Crop Yields with Photoconversion Mulch Film

An interdisciplinary project between optical engineering and plant sciences

Project Summary

This project addresses the urgent challenge of increasing global food production sustainably amid climate change and rising demand. It proposes the development of an innovative photoconversion mulch film that passively enhances crop growth by converting less effective green light into plant-preferred wavelengths. Unlike energy-intensive greenhouse lighting, this film requires no external power, aligning with regenerative agriculture principles. Customizable for specific crops, it improves light quality, boosts yields, and reduces water and pesticide use. The project will prototype and test the film across four key crops—leafy greens, strawberries, tomatoes, and corn—in diverse climates with industrial partners supplying UK supermarkets. Performance will be evaluated through growth, yield, and sustainability metrics. Led by experts in optoelectronics and botany, this interdisciplinary initiative bridges advanced photonics with plant science to deliver a scalable, low-carbon solution for global food security, supporting UN SDGs on hunger, clean energy, and climate action.