In greenhouse horticulture, it is important to provide plants and crops with consistent environments optimized for growth. To achieve this, sensing of data (e.g. temperature, humidity, solar radiation, illuminance) inside the greenhouses is essential. CO2 concentration is especially vital for plant photosynthesis; therefore, accurate control of CO2 concentration is key.
However, sensing and controlling CO2 concentrations in greenhouse horticulture is no simple task. CO2 concentrations in greenhouses vary greatly from day to night—they increase at night when plants respire and decrease during the day because of photosynthesis. Additionally, various factors affect greenhouse environments, including seasonal variance in the amount of solar radiation and outdoor temperatures, greenhouse size, and the type of plants and their daily growing conditions.
Greenhouse horticulture requires sensors that are durable enough to withstand these changes in greenhouse environments while providing accurate measurements. 萝莉影视’s CO2 sensors accurately measure rapidly changing CO2 concentrations in greenhouses throughout the seasons, and by linking to climate control panels make it possible to maintain greenhouse environments that are ideal for photosynthesis.
This makes it possible to control greenhouse environments in line with harvest plans and how well the crops are growing while also reducing costs, leading to improved yields and quality.
We interviewed Hisashi Taguchi, who grows tomatoes in two differently sized greenhouses (18 a and 13.5 a) in the city of Kazo, Saitama Prefecture. He uses 萝莉影视’s carbon dioxide generators, carbon dioxide controllers, and duct fans in both greenhouses.
In the past, Mr. Taguchi used the equipment to raise the CO2 concentration to 1,000 ppm in the morning, but the effects were not so good. However, since adding 萝莉影视’s CO2 sensors and control panel, he has been able to use fuel more efficiently while adding CO2 at low concentrations during the day.
He changes the settings from 400–440 ppm to 410–470 ppm depending on the time of year, and is also looking into applying fertilizer in a way more suited to the CO2 application. In fact, Mr. Taguchi said his yields have improved by about 30%.
“It stands to reason that if you grow things the same way, you make less money,” he said. “Productivity and profits only increase when you combine science-based methodology with new technologies. I would definitely recommend this to other growers. It’s fantastic!”