Applications of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Grow Houses & Nurseries

Carbon dioxide is part of the important process called photosynthesis. As the “Greenhouse Carbon Dioxide Supplementation" study by Poudel and Dunn states: “photosynthesis is the process which involves a chemical reaction between water and carbon dioxide in the presence of light, to make food (sugars) for plants and as a byproduct releases oxygen in the atmosphere”.

Plant Growth Yield Optimization with CO2 Monitoring

For crop management and fertilizer optimization in grow houses, CO2 monitoring can ensure that your plants are receiving the optimal levels of the gas while in development. Knowing how to manage these levels can lead to efficient growing times and productivity. Too much of the gas can be fatal to your plants, your employees, and your business. 

In this article, “A Survey of Modern Greenhouse Technologies and Practices for Commercial Cannabis Cultivation” from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), CO2 is noted as a key determinant of faster development and higher yields. During their study, CO2 levels were being monitored to keep an eye on the environmental and supplemental CO2. This is to ensure that plant growth was fueled through cellular respiration. Roger shows how certain PPM levels engage optimal growth rates (see Fig. 2).

Fig. 2. Roger, H. “Carbon Dioxide Enrichment Methods.” Hydrofarm, 2016, www.hydrofarm.com/resources/articles/co2_
 enrichment.php. Accessed 10 Sep. 2016.