# Light compensation point

> The light compensation point is the PPFD at which a leaf's photosynthesis exactly balances its respiration, so net carbon gain is zero.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/light-compensation-point.html
- Also written: compensation point, LCP, light compensation
- Glossary category: Environment and light · Evidence: Established
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

The light compensation point is the light intensity at which a leaf fixes exactly as much [CO2](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/co2-enrichment.md) through [photosynthesis](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/photosynthesis.md) as it releases through respiration. Below it the leaf is a net consumer of sugars; above it the leaf is a net exporter. For sun-adapted crops it typically sits in the tens of [µmol/m²/s](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/ppfd.md). It rises with temperature, because respiration speeds up faster than photosynthesis.

## In practice

The idea explains why deep, shaded lower growth contributes little. Leaves and [bud sites](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/bud-site.md) sitting in heavy shade at the bottom of a dense canopy may be near or below their compensation point for much of the day, so they consume more than they produce. That is the logic behind [lollipopping](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/lollipopping.md) and removing the lowest larf.

It is also a reason not to over-strip. A leaf receiving moderate light is still a net producer feeding nearby buds. GenetixBay's preference is "tuck, don't pluck": train and tuck leaves to open light paths before removing working leaves.

## Don't confuse with

- **Light saturation point**: the high end, where extra light stops helping.
- **CO2 compensation point**: the CO2 concentration at which photosynthesis balances respiration at a given light level.

## Related terms

[Light saturation point](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/light-saturation-point.md), [PPFD](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/ppfd.md), [Lollipopping](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/lollipopping.md), [DLI](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/dli.md)

## Read more

- [PPFD and DLI by stage, with the evidence](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/environment/ppfd-dli-by-stage.md)
- [Defoliation and lollipopping: what to remove, when, and the evidence](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/training/defoliation-lollipopping.md)

## Sources

1. Chandra S, Lata H, Khan IA, ElSohly MA, 2008. Photosynthetic response of Cannabis sativa L. to variations in photosynthetic photon flux densities, temperature and CO2 conditions. Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants 14(4):299–306. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12298-008-0027-x