Enhancing Crop Yield with Dissolved CO₂ Technology in Single Greenhouses
In the quest for higher efficiency and sustainability in protected agriculture, the application of dissolved CO₂ (water-soluble carbon dioxide) technology has emerged as a transformative solution—especially when integrated into Single Greenhouse systems. This combination offers significant gains in photosynthesis, crop yield, and resource use efficiency.
What is Dissolved CO₂ Technology?
Dissolved CO₂ technology involves injecting carbon dioxide directly into the irrigation water in the form of carbonated water. This method allows CO₂ to be delivered directly to plant roots via the nutrient solution, bypassing the limitations of traditional atmospheric CO₂ enrichment methods.
Key characteristics include:
Water-soluble CO₂ gas infusion through specialized injectors
Stable carbon concentration in irrigation systems (20–50 ppm depending on crop and stage)
Targeted root-zone enhancement of photosynthetic precursors
No need for elevated greenhouse air CO₂ levels
The Single Greenhouse Advantage
A Single Greenhouse, also known as a Single-span Greenhouse, refers to a standalone structure with a single bay. These greenhouses are common for small to medium-scale operations due to their low investment cost and high flexibility.
By integrating dissolved CO₂ technology, single greenhouses gain several key benefits:
1. Improved Plant Growth
The direct uptake of CO₂ by roots enhances photosynthesis and carbohydrate production, especially in hydroponic or drip-irrigated systems. Studies report yield increases of 15%–30%, particularly in leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
2. CO₂ Efficiency
Unlike gaseous CO₂ enrichment (which often escapes through ventilation), dissolved CO₂ remains in solution until absorbed, resulting in 90%+ uptake efficiency.
3. Environmentally Safer
No CO₂ gas cylinders or combustion-based CO₂ generators are needed. This reduces the risk of air quality issues and lowers the carbon footprint of the greenhouse.
4. Low-Energy Solution
The system typically uses a low-pressure CO₂ dissolver, consuming minimal energy (usually under 100W per 1000m²). It can be powered by solar or integrated into existing fertigation systems.
Typical System Configuration
Model: ECO-GROW™ CO₂ Enrichment Kit for Single Greenhouse
Capacity: Supports up to 500m² greenhouse
Injection System: Inline venturi CO₂ dissolver
CO₂ Source: Food-grade CO₂ cylinder with pressure regulator
Integration: Compatible with all common irrigation/fertigation controllers
Monitoring: In-line CO₂ sensor with ppm display
Flow Rate: 0.2–0.5 L/min dissolved gas
Maintenance: Monthly filter cleaning, quarterly injector replacement
Application Example
In a 300m² single-span greenhouse in Shandong Province, China, implementing dissolved CO₂ led to:
Tomato yield increase of 27% over the control group
Shorter harvest cycle by 6–8 days
Reduction in fertilizer usage by 10% due to enhanced root activity
Return on investment achieved within 6 months
Conclusion
Combining dissolved CO₂ technology with Single Greenhouse systems provides an efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly method to enhance crop production. Particularly for growers using hydroponics or fertigation, this method can dramatically improve the photosynthetic performance and productivity of plants.
As the industry moves toward smarter, more sustainable greenhouse solutions, dissolved CO₂ stands out as a practical innovation ready for wide adoption.