CO₂ ENRICHMENT IN THE NETHERLANDS

With a view of the widespread use of CO₂ enrichment in the Netherlands the development of CO₂ methodology since 1960 is described.
First of all direct fired evaporative kerosene burners were used, followed by propane fired burners.
Then again kerosene was used in direct fired atomising burners and since 1970 growers have enriched their greenhouse atmosphere by means of the flue gases produced by their central heating system which burn natural gas.

Since 1979 many growers have installed infrared gas analysers for CO₂ measurement and control.
To save energy growers have also made their greenhouses as air tight as possible.
As a consequence heating is stopped earlier now on bright days.
Measurements have shown that the CO₂ concentration drops quickly beneath ambient.
The same occurs later in the season when the heater is not used and the ventilators are open.

Because growth decreases seriously at levels below ambient the growers would like to extend the time of CO₂ enrichment to the entire growing season.
Different supplemental provisions to the central heating system as a CO₂ source are available (see poster presentation)

Further a survey is given of the factors contributing to the widespread use of CO₂ in the Netherlands.

Thirdly expected future research activities will be mentioned.

Symposium on CO2 Enrichment

N. van Berkel

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1984.162.21