New sensor for growers: Ledgnd and Aranet close the gap in light strategy

During GreenTech 2025, Ledgnd and Aranet jointly launched the Light Spectrum Sensor and its integration into MyLedgnd. In the Hortibiz studio, Ramon van de Vrie (Ledgnd) and Erik van der Made (Aranet) gave an interview about the Light Spectrum Sensor. “We are filling a crucial blind spot,” said Van de Vrie, founder of Ledgnd. Together with Van der Made, he explained in the Hortibiz News Radio studio how the collaboration came about and why this sensor is so important for modern greenhouse lighting.

The development of the Light Spectrum Sensor began with the realization that an essential link was missing in managing greenhouse lighting. “Every fixture is now moving toward multi-channel systems. You choose which colors to activate, but no one could measure what actually reaches the crop,” Van de Vrie explained. “We saw that as a serious gap.”

To turn this idea into a technical reality, Ledgnd looked for a partner with a proven track record in wireless sensors. They found it in Aranet. “Aranet is one of the best suppliers in horticulture. Their systems are so robust that we hardly ever experience failures,” said Van de Vrie. Van der Made added: “Our sensors run on batteries and communicate wirelessly. That means you can place them wherever you want, without any cabling. In a greenhouse, where light blockage and labor matter, that’s a major advantage.”

The Light Spectrum Sensor measures the light spectrum in real time and transmits the data directly to MyLedgnd via the Aranet network. “We place two sensors above the LED fixtures and two below, so we can map both the emitted light and the actual light reaching the crop level,” said Van de Vrie. According to Van der Made, this is the first sensor in the world to continuously measure the spectrum and fully integrate it into a dashboard: “You can connect this to your climate computer and automatically control your lighting using that data.”

The benefits for growers are tangible. “Crops like cucumber need a minimum amount of far-red light daily,” said Van de Vrie. “If you don’t meet that requirement, you’ll lose production. Thanks to this sensor, we know exactly what the crop receives and can steer accordingly.” Energy use can also be optimized: if sunlight already provides sufficient blue or red light at certain times, the LED lighting can automatically dim.

The launch attracted a lot of attention, and visitors at both the Aranet and Ledgnd booths showed great interest in the sensor. “We noticed that growers are truly curious—especially now that more is being invested in multi-channel LED lighting,” said Van der Made. “They want to get the most out of their investment. But that only works if you really know what your lighting strategy delivers. You have to measure in order to steer.”

The sensor is available globally and can be used in any greenhouse. A starter kit includes four sensors, an Aranet base station (if needed), and access to the MyLedgnd dashboard for spectral analysis. Orders can be placed through either company. Van der Made concludes: “Whether you go to Aranet or Ledgnd, you’ll get access to the same reliable technology.”

Looking for more control over your light strategy and real-time insight into what your plants actually receive? Schedule a consultation with one of our specialists or contact us directly. Together, we’ll turn your greenhouse data into actionable results.