CARBON DIOXIDE ENRICHED PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY FOR CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT SYSTEM IN THE LOWLAND TROPICS

Recent development of a rainshelter (RSP) prototype with CO₂ fertilization/ enrichment capability and minimal greenhouse effects has enabled the establishment and development of a simple, practical and fundamental technique of CO₂ enrichment for Brassica chinensis var. chinensis under controlled environment (CE) in the tropics.
The technique was developed through manipulation of the CO₂ delivery system in accordance with the microclimatic diurnal pattern and plant environmental physiology requirement.
The enrichment technique has successfully resulted in earlier maturity by almost 10 days and increased biomass by about 50%. This is implicated by the increase in RuBP carboxylation efficiency, apparent quantum yields and relative SPAD reading for relative chlorophyll content in the 3x elevated CO₂ condition as compared to the non-enriched treatment.
Better quality produce was also observed.
The paper probes into the need to alleviate present production technology under CE for increased productivity through innovative development of the CO₂ enrichment technique for the tropical conditions.
It also spells out the need for further advancement of the technology, the challenges and constraints faced.

International Symposium on Greenhouses, Environmental Controls and In-house Mechanization for Crop Production in the Tropics and Sub-Tropics

H.Z.E. Jaafar

CO₂ enrichment technique, stagnant hydroponics, RuBP carboxylation efficiency, apparent quantum yields, increased biomass accumulation

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2006.710.40