The technique of adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than is typically found in fresh air is known as CO2 enrichment.

The breathing of people or animals in confined spaces, the natural release of CO2 from the ground, combustion, or the inhalation of compressed CO2 gas can all result in higher than normal quantities of CO2 in the air.

The intentional use of CO2 enrichment by indoor or greenhouse gardeners to promote plant growth, flowering, and harvesting sooner is what makes it special.

What does CO2 enrichment mean?

A typical amount of carbon dioxide in fresh air is 400–450 ppm (parts per million), or 0.04% by volume. Any increase in the CO2 concentration over this is referred to as CO2 enrichment.

How is CO2 enriched?

CO2 can be added to the air both naturally and chemically.

Respiration

The process of breathing in oxygen and exhaling CO2 is known as respiration. After a few minutes, the CO2 in their breath will cause the carbon dioxide levels to increase in relation to the oxygen levels if they are in an enclosed space like a car or a room.

Off-gassing

CO2 from the soil spontaneously combines with the air when it leaves the earth. Due to the fact that CO2 is heavier than air, under some conditions it may pool in a tunnel, pit, or valley and produce a pocket of potentially hazardous CO2 levels.

Synthetic Enrichment

Plant growers can add CO2 from compressed tanks or cylinders of the gas to artificially raise the CO2 level in indoor greenhouses or grow rooms. This can be done in compact grow spaces by adding organic matter bags or fermentation buckets that continuously release CO2. The use of CO2 generators or natural gas burners that release CO2 as a byproduct of combustion is possible in large commercial greenhouses.

Can CO2 enrichment aid in the growth of plants?

As long as all other things remain constant, plants will grow more quickly as CO2 levels rise. At 400 ppm (0.04% by volume) of CO2, plants develop normally. According to research, plants will develop 40–100% faster if their access to CO2 (800–1,200 ppm) is doubled or tripled during the daylight growing cycle, depending on the variety of plant.

However, the advantages diminish when CO2 levels rise above 1,200 ppm. There won’t be much of a difference even if the CO2 level is increased to 4 or 5 times usual. An excessive amount of CO2 may harm plants above 2,000 ppm and higher.

How do I get my grow tent’s CO2 levels up?

The three most popular ways to raise the concentration of CO2 in a grow tent are:

  • buckets for fermenting
  • CO2 sacks
  • CO2 is pumped in by compressed gas cylinders

The affordability of CO2 bags, fermentation buckets, and decaying organic materials is a benefit. The drawback is that they eventually lose their potency and need to be replaced or renewed. Additionally, you are limited to simply adding extra bags or buckets to control the precise amount of CO2 given to your plants. However, because they are inexpensive, many new growers begin with CO2 buckets or bags and a cheap CO2 monitor.

Tanks of pressurized CO2 gas are a popular solution for many contemporary gardeners. While the CO2 controller, tank, regulator, and distribution tubes may have a few hundred dollar initial start-up cost.

Does the addition of CO2 boost yield?

Beyond yield, boosting CO2 has various advantages.

  • increased plant size and growth.
  • Harvests happen faster because plants mature more quickly.
  • Faster maturation reduces the amount of energy and fertilizer needed for each harvest.
  • both the quantity and size of flowers have increased.
  • increased water use efficiency and decreased transpiration.
  • See all of our CO2 monitors and meters for agricultural application for additional details.

See all of our CO2 monitors and meters for agricultural application for additional details.

 

 

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