Demonstration trial reduced CO2 dosing

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Therefore, Wageningen University & Research, business unit Greenhouse Horticulture started a demonstration trial with a tomato crop in December 2019 to study the effects of reduced CO₂ supply on crop yield and quality.

The research goal is to decrease the loss of CO₂ due to ventilation, and to create a crop that is adapting to lower CO₂ concentrations, resulting in a greenhouse system with a higher efficiency in CO₂ utilization. The annual amount of CO₂ supplied will be comparable to commercial practice, and amounts that are half or a quarter of this figure. Each of these treatments will be applied in one compartment. CO₂ will be supplied as efficiently as possible, and all CO₂ fluxes will be monitored and modelled.

Crop and climate management will be according to the new way of growing (HNT). Production and fruit quality will be measured, as well as leaf photosynthesis and its possible adaptations. Differences between treatments will be expected especially in summer, when CO₂-application will be reduced at higher roof vents openings.

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Source and Photo Courtesy of Wageningen University & Research

Source: Wageningen University & Research