Plant Mechanism

A summary of how far-infrared rays (FIR) affect plant tissue and physiological function, based on the original source material.

Plant Mechanism

The Relationship Between Far-Infrared Rays and Plant Growth

A summary of how far-infrared rays affect plant tissue growth, photosynthesis, and harvest quality.

Far-infrared rays are infrared radiation within the 3–1000μm wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum; the 6–11μm band in particular is readily absorbed by water molecules and is known as the "light of life."
FIR penetrates deep into plant tissue, causing resonant vibration in water molecules that generates fine thermal energy — this heat accelerates enzymatic reactions within cells and activates physiological processes.
The FIR wavelengths in sunlight are largely absorbed and blocked by glass and plastic film, so they don't sufficiently reach crops grown in greenhouses, making greenhouse crops more prone to poor growth and reduced quality compared to open-field crops. FIR technology compensates for this blocked growth wavelength, providing a light environment closer to nature.

Cell division is accelerated and cell size increases, speeding up plant growth. In radish seedling cotyledons treated with FIR water, the rate of cell division increased and cell size expanded compared to the control group.
It increases chlorophyll production and CO2 uptake, enhancing photosynthetic capacity. Some reports show that FIR emission in greenhouses improved net photosynthesis rates by 30–44%.
It promotes vigorous root development. Using FIR-treated water or soil conditioners has been observed to strengthen roots and increase germination rates.
It helps release compounds within plant cells and alters metabolism, with reported increases in secondary metabolites such as antioxidants.
Plant tissue temperature rises slightly while surrounding humidity decreases (by 10–20%), which mitigates cold damage and suppresses pathogen occurrence — an environmental improvement effect.

It increases crop growth rate and biomass. Under FIR supplemental lighting, lettuce dry weight increased by up to 46–77% in reported cases.
Fruit yields are expected to increase by 7–20% or more.
It helps improve quality, including higher tomato sweetness, increased flavor compounds, and higher antioxidant content in vegetables.
Positive results have also been reported for improved disease resistance, storability, and distribution stability.

Irrigation water treatment: FIR-treated water reduces water molecule cluster size, helping plants absorb water and nutrients more easily.
Foliar feeding: Spraying FIR-activated solution on leaves can be expected to improve photosynthetic efficiency and disease resistance.
Packaging and storage: FIR-coated film or containers inhibit microbial growth during storage and preserve fruit sweetness and freshness.