Carbon dioxide is one of the essential
ingredients in green plant growth and is a primary environmental factor in
greenhouses. CO2 enrichment at 2, 3 or four times natural concentration will
cause plants to grow faster and improve plant will quality.
Modern growers are becoming increasingly aware of the value of CO2. Particularly
now that most greenhouses are purposely shutting out CO2 [air] to conserve
energy.
Carbon dioxide is an odorless gas and a minor constituent in the air we breathe.
It comprises only .03% [ 300 parts per million, or PPM] of the atmosphere, but
is virtually important to all life on this planet!
Plants are made up of about 90% carbon and water with other elements like
nitrogen calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and trace elements making up
only a small percentage. Almost all the carbon in plants comes from this minor
300 ppm of carbon dioxide in the air.
The process called photosynthesis is that plants take in CO2 through pores
called stoma, in their leaves during the daylight hours. They give off oxygen at
the same time. Without this oxygen animal and human life would not be possible.
The reason you will get more rapid and efficient growth and better plant quality
with a higher CO2 level is because plants must absorb CO2 in combination with
water, soil nutrients and sunlight which produces sugars which are vital for
growth. If any of these elements are missing or low, plant growth will be
retarded. When CO2 is increased to over 1000 ppm it results in higher production
and plant quality.
The best time to add CO2 is from dawn to dusk. CO2 ranges from 400 to 500 ppm
during the night due to plant respiration. Right after sunrise a level will drop
to about 300 ppm. After three to four hours of early sun light it will drop to
100 to 250 ppm at which time growth will stop. If you add CO2 during the winter
months when ventilators are closed and CO2 concentrations are low, you will get
increased yield and bloom which normally happens during the spring and summer.
This is a formula which can be used to figure what amount of CO2 must be added
to reach 1000 ppm.
9 ft.³ of CO2 per hour per 1000 ft.² yields 1000 ppm
When there is sunlight and vents are closed you should be adding CO2
continuously to your greenhouse. If the vents are open because of heat you
should continue to add CO2 for two additional hours.
We have two systems of adding CO2 to your greenhouse. These are CO2 generators
and CO2 regulator assemblies. Also there are controllers to set up an automated
system. Examples of the different types of CO2 equipment may be
viewed here.
Examples of different types of controllers may be
viewed here.
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Advance Greenhouses
