Frequently Asked Questions

We have combined our knowledge of the power of LED light in the turf grow process with the research results obtained by the Biocenter of the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich. There they have been studying the interactions of LED light and different climate situations on the development of very different types of grass since 2012. This has helped our business unit Rhenac Sports LED to develop ground breaking and highly innovative CLS LED field lighting technology that is superior to conventional sodium vapor luminaires.

From a pitch point of view, CLS LED field lighting technology can be successful on a 100% natural pitch, as well as on a hybrid pitch. The success does not depend on the grass species, the geographical location of the stadium (continent), or on the orientation of the stadium (north/south/east/west). We can make our Complete Light Spectrum (CLS) technology work on any pitch in any stadium anywhere in the world.

A newly installed pitch will experience stress and produce less chlorophyll, which is a vital pigment used by the grass to achieve a dense pitch. Our Complete Light Spectrum (CLS) technology has the ability to stimulate the circumstances in which grass will naturally increase its chlorophyll production rate.

The time that it takes for grass to adapt fully to the new conditions and become green turf is dependent on several parameters, such as:

• grass species;
• time of year, i.e. prevailing temperatures at the farm and status of photosynthesis;
• preparation of the turf (see previous answer);
• turf vitality; and
• number of plant grow light rigs available.

As a rule of thumb for predominantly Lolium perenne-based turf in Western Europe, we expect the turf to be able to adapt in 2-3 weeks in the growing season and 1-2 weeks outside the main growing season.

The major objective for every stadium field is proper density of the pitch. The more leaves per cm2, the more photosynthesis per cm2 is possible.

Unlike our Complete Light Spectrum (CLS) technology, High Pressure Sodium technology is limited to only the yellow/orange/red part of the light spectrum. This can only trigger increased grass length growth. Therefore, the field needs to be mowed more often to achieve a higher density. CLS, on the other hand, has the special spec to give the growth more branching to close the pitch faster. As soon as this is achieved, the specs can be adjusted to invest light energy into stabilizing the roots and leaves. The more resistant the pitch, the shorter the time for recovering/recultivating the pitch, and the better it is protected against disease and stress and other problems – which saves energy.

Faster pitch regeneration also means that the groundsman will spend less time maintaining it. A strong and healthy pitch can also be used more frequently and for different events.

CLS runs on LED technology which by itself is known to be much more energy-efficient than traditional High Pressure Sodium (HPS) technology.

LED technology can also be operated at variable intensities, whereby HPS technology can only be switched on or off.

Grass depends on light to grow and to remain healthy. Depending on its needs, it consumes different types of light and light in different colors. A red color will help the grass seeds to germinate and to increase biomass.

Blue light will increase the sward density and enhance the root growth. Blue color light also reduces the length growth of the grass, and, as a side effect, the grass’ susceptibility to diseases.

Using light correctly and selectively can help grass growth or recuperation, as well as managing its need for maintenance.

CLS encompasses all light in the light spectrum, including those sections that are not visible to the naked eye.

Light ranges from ultraviolet to infrared light. Both are very difficult to replicate with artificial light. By using the best possible LEDs and processors, Rhenac Sports LED has developed LED field lighting units that help delivering green turf.

Our Complete Light Spectrum (CLS) technology offers more flexibility and quality in terms of growing, maintaining and managing green turf inside stadiums.

High Pressure Sodium technology is limited to only the yellow/orange/red part of the light spectrum. This selection stimulates the grass to grow in length, hence using HPS technology will result in an increased need for cutting the grass regularly to achieve a higher density.

CLS has the special spec to give the growth more branching to close the pitch faster. Faster pitch regeneration also means that the groundsman will spend less time maintaining it. A strong and healthy pitch can also be used more frequently and for different events.

CLS is produced by means of LED technology, which, by itself, is known to be much more energy-efficient than traditional High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) technology. LED technology is also a very flexible technology that can be operated at variable intensities, whereas HPS technology can only be switched on or off. Therefore, LED technology has the advantage that, as soon as the grass pitch has closed, the specs for the same lighting equipment can be adjusted to produce light energy for stabilizing the roots and leaves.

The more resistant the pitch, the shorter the time for recovering/recultivating the pitch, and the better it is protected against disease and stress and other problems – which saves energy.

RHENAC GreenTec AG worked together with the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich for many years to establish how green turf can be achieved, before it merged this newly acquired knowledge with the experience it had in LED lighting technology-based biotechnology systems for plant production and plant cultivation.

RHENAC GreenTec AG LED grass grow technology focuses on grass’ needs and delivers the perfect conditions for it to grow or to stay healthy.

CLS will help reduce the stress the grass experiences and help manage the increased production of chlorophyll, a vital pigment used by the grass to achieve a dense pitch. By using CLS technology, a re-turfed field will settle much quicker.

40-50% reduction of energy costs can be achieved by stepping over to Rhenac CLS – LED-based technology. The CLS technology;

• Reduces the direct energy bill using different light sources
• Reduces indirect energy use by applying intelligence to grass growth. Monitoring-based use of the CLS units to reduce the number of effective hours.