How can reflective surfaces optimize light distribution in a greenhouse?

• A. They increase diffuse light, reduce shading, and improve light uniformity; avoid dark corners.
• B. They absorb all light and warm the room.
• C. They reduce humidity.
• D. They have no effect on light distribution.

Answer: (A)

Reflective surfaces work by bouncing light around the greenhouse to create a more even distribution. By increasing diffuse light, they break up sharp directional hotspots caused by direct sun and fill in shaded areas, so more leaves receive usable PAR (photosynthetically active radiation). White or highly reflective walls and floors act like light scrapers, scattering light into the lower canopy and reducing dark corners where growth can slow. This improves light uniformity across the space, supporting more consistent photosynthesis and plant growth.

Absorbing all light would just heat the room without giving plants usable light, so that option doesn’t support growth. Humidity effects are separate from how light is distributed, and saying there’s no effect on light distribution contradicts the visible benefit of reflective surfaces.