ISHS Acta Horticulturae 87: Symposium on Potential Productivity in Protected Cultivation
THE ROLE OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN PRODUCTIVITY OF PROTECTED CULTIVATION |
| Author: | H.Z. Enoch |
| Abstract:
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. | |
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