Tomatoes CO2 survey

A survey was carried out tot determine the range of growing practices and CO₂ enrichment regimes in use by growers on the North and South of the UK.

Some conclusions include:

• Growing practices varied widely between growers and there was no standard system for CO₂ enrichment across the UK
• Setpoints for CO₂ enrichment ranged between 900-1500ppm in the winter with no clear different between those growers using gas to provide the CO₂ and using pure CO₂
• Summer CO₂ setpoint varied widely ranging from 0-1200ppm.

The primary aim of the survey was to collect information on current CO₂ practices, in terms of setpoints, achieved levels and methods of introduction.

 A second objective was to provide information on cropping systems, growing environment and crop productivity.

 The work includes monitoring distribution of CO₂ in crops. These results will be reported in a separate report during 1996.