THE ROLE OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN PRODUCTIVITY OF PROTECTED CULTIVATION

A theory is proposed claiming that C₃ plants ability to grow faster and yield more in CO₂ enriched atmospheres, reflects an incomplete adaption to the present day’s global atmosphere from a period in the past when the earth’s atmosphere was rich in CO₂ and contained less O₂.

Due to combustion of fossile fuel and deforestation, global CO₂ concentration has increased 10% in this century and an increase to 600 vpm may occur already in 50 years time.

In protected cultivation, CO₂ concentration can be regulated during part of the daylight hours, thus increasing yield by enhancing carbon-assimilation and transport, while decreasing transpiration.
Elevated CO₂ concentrations at night contribute towards restricting dark respiration of leaves.

By applying CO₂ enrichment in protected cultivation, an atmosphere is created resembling the one existing in earlier aeons – an atmosphere which enhances plant productivity.

Symposium on Potential Productivity in Protected Cultivation

H.Z. Enoch

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1978.87.11