Managing CO2 levels in controlled environment cropping systems to optimise yield.

Crop production systems in large controlled environment facilities are traditionally high-input, resource and capital-intensive. Optimising input parameters is a major avenue for increasing yield and quality whilst reducing waste of precious resources. CO2 levels are particularly critical for crop growth and yield, but defining optimal levels in controlled environment cropping systems to manage yield is challenging. Production at sub- and supra-optimal CO2 incur crop yield, economic and environmental penalties.

The Costa Group tomato farms in Guyra grow a range of premium glasshouse tomatoes in one of Australia’s largest and most advanced glasshouse facilities. The Costa Group would like to optimise their production settings, and reduce their coal-fired operations and carbon footprint. Thus, the aim of the project is to define the optimum CO2 levels for tomato production in controlled environments.

Funder: Future Food Systems CRC
Award Value: $220,000