Usage of Carbon Dioxide (Co₂) in Floriculture

There are many factors such as water, light, temperature and nutrients which are more easily controlled for optimum growth. It is now possible to also control and accurately measure Carbon Dioxide concentrations in greenhouse and Controlled Environment Garden (CEG) atmospheres for effective growth.

Carbon Dioxide (Co₂) contributes to plant growth in the food producing process called photosynthesis. During this process, plants combine Carbon Dioxide and water with the aid of light energy to form sugar. Some of these sugars are converted into complex compounds that increase dry solid plant substances for continued growth to final maturity. If the supply of carbon dioxide is cut off, or reduced, the complex plant cell structure cannot utilize the sun's energy fully and growth or development is curtailed.

The amount of carbon dioxide in the air is only 0.03% (250 to 330 parts per million). Numerous tests have proven that during the winter months carbon dioxide concentrations inside greenhouses is invariably much lower than in outside air. Hence, by regulating the Co₂ concentrations in controlled environment gardens, the plant growth can be regulated.

Co₂ IMPROVES PLANT GROWTH AND QUALITY

Research has shown that when the amount of carbon dioxide level decreases below 150 ppm, the plant would stop growing. Even at 220 ppm, a slow-down in plant growth is significantly noticeable. Signifantly, tests conducted with carnations and other flowers in controlled Co₂ atmospheres ranging from 200 to 500 ppm, at higher Co₂ concentrations, the rate of formation of dry plant matter, total flower yield and market value was significant.

CARBON DIOXIDE (Co₂) GIVES ECONOMICAL OUT PUT

During the winter months, plants near the middle of greenhouse beds generally do not grow as rapidly as plants at the edge. Because the plants near the walls get enough Co₂ from the air which seeped in. The lack of adequate Co₂ lowers the average plant yield quality and market value. On the other hand, growers using Co₂ have finally realised decent profits from increased crop production.

ENCOURAGING RESULTS FROM Co₂ ENRICHMENT

Bibb Lettuce has shown 40% increase in crop production at increased Co₂ concentrations. The increase was again repeated by Roses. 30 % improvement in crop production resulted from Carnations and tomatoes.

For any information / Co₂ Equipment requirements, contact :

SICGIL INDIA LIMITED
VI Floor, Dhun Building, # 84, (Old No. 827), Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.
Phone : 91 - 044 - 2852 1644 / 2852 1467 / 2852 0657 / 2852 0870
Fax : 91 - 044 - 2852 1249, E-mail : sicgil@vsnl.com, vijay@sicgil.com,

Contact Persons
V.N.Vijay Kumar		Mobile no:98402 53253
Ruqshad Dadabhoy

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