The Role and Application Methods of Gas Fertilizer in Greenhouse Cultivation

Gas fertilizer usually refers to carbon dioxide gas fertilizer, a supplementary fertilization method commonly used in protected agriculture. Carbon dioxide is the main raw material for plant photosynthesis. In greenhouses with little ventilation during winter and early spring, crops continuously absorb and consume it, so carbon dioxide in the greenhouse can easily become depleted. At this time, adding gas fertilizer can improve photosynthetic efficiency and promote crop growth, which is why it is vividly called gas fertilizer.

Gas fertilizer is used more often on fruit vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and other greenhouse crops. After reasonable supplementation of carbon dioxide, plant leaves become dark green, the fruit-setting rate increases, and the plumpness and quality of the fruit can also be improved, which has practical significance for raising the benefits of protected cultivation.

There are many methods of applying gas fertilizer. Common methods include release from carbon dioxide generators, supply from steel cylinders, production by chemical reaction, and supplementation by biological fermentation. The application time is generally chosen during the stage after sunrise on sunny days when the greenhouse remains sealed, and stopped before ventilation. On cloudy, rainy or snowy days, light is weak and photosynthesis is not vigorous, so application is usually not suitable.

When using gas fertilizer, attention must be paid to concentration control. It is not that the higher the better; too high a concentration will instead inhibit normal crop growth. At the same time, gas fertilizer should be coordinated with sufficient light, suitable temperature, and water and fertilizer management. Only when all conditions are coordinated can the yield-increasing effect be fully brought into play.