The Benefits of CO2 in Indoor Agriculture
Indoor growers have long known the benefits of increasing carbon dioxide levels in greenhouses. Carbon dioxide, light, and water are all necessary for photosynthesis, the chemical reaction that creates plant growth.
Studies have shown that even when optimum levels of light, water and nutrients are available, plant growth will still be limited by the amount of carbon dioxide available during the daylight growth cycle.
While different varieties of plants respond to different maximum CO2 levels, in general, doubling CO2 from outdoor air levels to 800 ppm results in an average of one-third greater improvement in plant growth and productivity. This is according to the work done by Bruce Kimball at the Water Conservation Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Phoenix, Arizona.
His studies also concluded:
- Greenhouse-grown vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce show earlier maturity, larger fruit size, greater numbers of fruit, a reduction in cropping time, and yield increases averaging 20 to 50 percent.
- Greenhouse-grown flowers such as roses and carnations grow more quickly, have longer stems, and larger, more colorful flowers. Yield increases averaged 12 percent.
- Flowers and ornamental plants propagated by cuttings, such as geraniums, show faster growth, more extensive rooting, and greater plant heights.
The problem with most CO2 generators (gas burners, CO2 tanks) is that they work on a timer. Turn CO2 on with the lights, and turn it off in the dark. There is no way to know if the optimum CO2 level is reached. Too little CO2 minimizes growth, while too much CO2 wastes energy, and can even harm plants.
At CO2Meter.com, our most popular products especially designed for indoor gardeners are:
CO2 Controller for Grow Rooms - can be used in greenhouses, grow rooms, hydroponics rooms and other places where elevated carbon dioxide levels are used to maximize plant growth.
Remote CO2 Storage Safety 3 Alarm - The most popular CO2 Storage Safety Alarm, the RAD-0102-6. This device is designed to protect customers and workers near stored carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 alarms are critical anywhere more than 100 lbs. of compressed CO2 is stored or produced.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Handheld Gas Detector- Our top-selling CO2 handheld Gas Detector is designed to measure carbon dioxide gas concentrations in a variety of industries, and can be used as a personal safety alarm to warn you of dangerous leaks with a new long-term data storage feature.
For more information on indoor agriculture monitoring or CO2 solutions for your application, speak to an expert today: Sales@CO2Meter.com or 877-678-4259