Questionnaire:  How do you use CO2 for Controlled Environment Agriculture?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is extremely important in CEA vegetable, fruit, flower or cannabis production, whether in a greenhouse or a vertical farm.  As most of us know CO2 is a key component of photosynthesis and directly impacts plant growth, allowing for significantly increased crop yields when, as an example, provided as a supplement in a greenhouse environment; essentially acting as a “plant food” that can lead to larger plants, higher quality produce, and faster growth cycles when managed properly. 

Why is CO2 in commercial horticulture?

1. Increased photosynthesis: CO2 is the primary carbon source for plants during photosynthesis, so higher levels directly enhance plant growth and production of carbohydrates. 
2. Yield improvement: By supplementing CO2 in a greenhouse, growers can often achieve significantly higher yields compared to ambient levels.
3. Faster growth cycle: Increased CO2 can lead to faster flowering and maturation, potentially shortening the growing period. 
4. Quality enhancement: Besides quantity, CO2 enrichment can also improve the quality of the produce, including larger fruits and thicker leaves.
5. Proper management needed: Too much CO2 can not only be detrimental to plants, but it can also be an added and unnecessary expense. 

Elevated CO2 concentrations are proven to improve yield in CEA facilities. The challenge for most facilities is that sources of CO2 are limited and potentially expensive. Hort Americas is evaluating opportunities to develop renewable and competitive supplies of bulk CO2 for agriculture use. 

To further this evaluation, we are asking for the help of commercial growers.  We need to understand the current actual and potential demand for CO2. The price points where CO2 would be value added to their operations.  

It is expected that these CO2 sources will be delivered by liquid tanker truck and users would need on-site liquid CO2 storage and delivery systems into the greenhouse. 

SPONSORED BY HORT AMERICAS
Hort Americas commits to not sharing specific site and grower information with others without grower permission.  Disclosure will be necessary if this process continues to develop.