How to Use more CO2 to Boost Hydroponic Plant Growth

 

Carbon dioxide is needed in a hydroponic garden to guarantee continued plant growth because it is required for photosynthesis.  Many gardeners do not realize that the larger their hydroponic garden is, the more their plants need carbon dioxide for respiration.  Plants that are grown in a small greenhouse are especially susceptible to growth problems due to lack of sufficient carbon dioxide.

 

How can you boost the carbon dioxide content in your hydroponic garden?  There are five ways that you can increase the level of carbon dioxide in your greenhouse to increase plant growth.  First, the burning hydrocarbon fuels will create carbon dioxide gas.  Second, the use of dry ice can aid in the production of this gas.  Third, fermentation of organic materials creates carbon dioxide.  Fourth, the decomposition of organic matter such as compost will create carbon dioxide.  Finally, the use of compressed bottled carbon dioxide is the most commonly used way to create the gas in a greenhouse for the desired effect.

 

Large greenhouses have burned hydrocarbon fuels for years in an effort to increase growth in their plants.  Examples of hydrocarbon fuels are propane, butane, natural gas and alcohol.  Fuels that contain sulfur or sulfur compounds cannot be used because they produce harmful by products when they burn.

 

Dry ice can be used in small greenhouses, especially if a cooling effect is also desired.  Dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide, is effective when used in a well-sealed area.  The ice can either be used in block form or broken down into small pieces and used a little at a time.  Another method is to put the dry ice into a Styrofoam container with holes in it to slow down the rate of evaporation.  Since carbon dioxide is heavier than air it must be placed above the plants in order for it to drift down and surround the plants.  Many hydroponic gardeners attach the dry ice to the light reflectors in their greenhouses.

 

Fermentation is another way to create more carbon dioxide in your hydroponic greenhouse.  This method is easy to accomplish with few materials - corn sugar, brewer's yeast, water, a small bottle and a larger container such as a garbage bag or large glass jug.  The process is the same as creating a batch of wine, beer or mead.  Once the batch has stopped bubbling the fermentation process has ceased and another batch will need to be made in order to continue the production of carbon dioxide.

 

The use of decomposing organic matter is rarely used indoors because of the odor and it is unsanitary because of the bugs it attracts.  It can be used outdoors in a greenhouse but the bug problem and their potential diseases need to be addressed in order to save your plants from their adverse effects.

 

The most popular method of generating carbon dioxide for your hydroponic plants is the use of a pressurized carbon dioxide system.  The equipment is relatively inexpensive (under $500) and the operating expense is low.  In addition this system does not generate heat so it is easier to regulate than other forms of generating carbon dioxide.  A flow meter and timer regulates the amount of time that the gas is released into the growing environment.

 

A hydroponic plant grower can use any of these methods to increase the amount of carbon dioxide into their greenhouse environment.  However, the end cost and effect of each of these methods on your growing should be carefully considered before being implemented. 

 

Increasing the carbon dioxide in your greenhouse will improve the growth of your plants and it could lead to increased profits for gardeners who sell their plant products.  All that is needed for success is careful planning, monitoring and administration of the carbon dioxide gas.