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GROWERS INFORMATION -
ARTICLE - IMPLEMENTING CO2 |
Effectively Implementing Co2
By GAP courtesy of Maximum Yield Magazine
First a little Plant Science 101 – For a successful,
productive garden, hydroponic, indoor and greenhouse growers
must control six “essential elements” – air, light, nutrients,
water, humidity and temperature. Remove or alter the ratio of
only one of these elements, growth will slow, and plants could
eventually die. In this article, we will review the air
element, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2), it’s role in the
most vital plant process – photosynthesis – and how to
effectively implement CO2 enrichment.
Photosynthesis begins when stomata, pore-like openings on the
undersides of leaves, are activated by light and begin
breathing in carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air. This CO2 is
broken down into carbon (C) and oxygen (O). Some of the O is
used for other plants processes, but most is expelled back
into the air. The C is combined with water to form sugar
molecules, which are then converted into carbohydrates. These
carbohydrates (starches) combine with nutrients, such as
nitrogen, to produce new plant tissues. CO2 is vital to plant
growth and development, and yet is often the most overlooked
element in indoor gardening.
Successful indoor growers implement methods to increase CO2
concentrations in their enclosure. The typical outdoor air we
breathe contains 0.03- 0.045% (300-450 ppm) CO2. Research
demonstrates that optimum growth and production for most
plants occur between 1200-1500 ppm CO2. These optimum CO2
levels can boost plant metabolism, growth and yield by 25-60%.
Plants under effective CO2 enrichment and management display
thicker, lush green leaves, an abundance of fragrant fruit and
flowers, and stronger, more vigorous roots. CO2 enriched
plants grow rapidly and must also be supplied with the other
five “essential elements” to ensure proper development and a
plentiful harvest.
Commercially available CO2 generators offer the most
economical, practical and consistent method of enriching
indoor gardens. Using atmospheric control systems in
conjunction with CO2 generators, ensure the most effective
production and use of CO2.
Atmospheric control systems with automatic override or defeat,
and CO2 monitoring logic, enrich and maintain optimum levels
in the environment during the photo (light) periods, when most
plants can absorb CO2; and they defeat CO2 production during
dark periods. Automating your CO2 enrichment system pays for
itself quickly with shorter crop cycles, improved quality and
higher yields.
When enriching an indoor garden with CO2, proper light is
essential for effective assimilation. For plants to use CO2
efficiently, light spectrum and intensity should be
appropriate for the plant species in your garden. Remember –
CO2 enriched plants under intensified lighting demand higher
levels of nutrients, water, space and room temperatures of
80-85°F (27-29°C).
As CO2 is a critical component of growth, plants in
environments with inadequate CO2 levels – below 200 ppm – will
cease to grow or produce. And, growers should be cautious when
experimenting with CO2 levels above 2000 ppm. CO2 is heavier
than oxygen and will displace the O2 required by both plants
and human to function and live. (FYI: OSHA max allowable for
human exposure is 5000 PPM). So, air circulation and
ventilation is critical to profitable CO2 enrichment.
Plants use all of the CO2 around their leaves within a few
minutes leaving the air around them CO2 deficient. Without air
circulation and ventilation, the plants’ stomata are stifled
and plant growth is stunted.
Proper air circulation with oscillating fans and in-line
blowers, will eliminate potential stagnation problems and
ensure efficient CO2 enrichment.
If you have never enriched your garden with CO2, start with
700-900 ppm (double the normal atmospheric levels). If yields
improve, increase CO2 enrichment to 1200-1500 ppm. If there is
no response to the CO2 enrichment, double-check your other
five “essential elements” to ensure they are not limiting
factors. |
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