We measured greenhouse carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations within the  leaf canopy of roses grown for cut flowers over several years. Often, during the day we found the CO₂ concentration was depleted to levels as low as 225 ppm, even though vents were opened. Apparently, CO₂ was being absorbed quickly by the rose leaves and  fresh air was not moving sufficiently into the plant leaf canopy to replenish the CO₂ to normal atmospheric levels (340 ppm in 1985).  This was also noted in a greenhouse cucumber experiment in Spain in 2005 , where CO₂ was found to  be from 50 to 60 ppm lower than the atmospheric concentration during the day, again even though vents were open.  (Then atmospheric CO₂ was measured at about 360 ppm). (See Sanchez, 2005 below )  . 

Generally, a drop of CO₂ level below the normal atmospheric concentration has a stronger relative effect on photosynthesis than enrichment above the normal atmospheric concentration.  Illustrated above in this 1985 figure when the atmospheric CO₂  concentration was 340 ppm. 

In the previous blog, I wrote about the potential benefit and difficulty of greenhouse CO₂ enrichment above normal atmospheric CO₂ levels. I showed that the opportunity for enrichment in climates that have high greenhouse ventilation requirements is limited.  So how do you make the best use of the existing CO₂ (that is, with no enrichment)?

The goal is to get fresh outside air into the greenhouse, then around the crop, then around the leaves that are providing most of the photosynthetic capacity of the plant (which is usually the mature upper leaves of the plant). This is done more or less in field crops with natural air movement. But within the greenhouse confines, this is done by ventilation to exchange greenhouse and outside air, and circulate the greenhouse air with fans.

What are the effects of moving air on the leaf micro-environment, CO₂, and photosynthesis? 

The benefits of moving air on photosynthesis has been widely studied. Here's one example showing the results from an experiment on tomato  in growth chambers. This shows the effect of CO₂ and air velocity on net photosynthesis (Pn)  See Thongbai 2010 below   

LL= low CO₂ (200-300 ppm) + Low air velocity (0.3 m/s)

LH= low CO₂ (200-300 ppm) + High air velocity (1.0 m/s)

HL= high CO₂ (500 - 600 ppm) + Low air velocity (0.3 m/s)

HH= high CO₂ (500 - 600 ppm) + high air velocity (1.0 m/s)

Photosynthesis in both levels of CO₂ (low and high) were enhanced with the Low to High velocity of air movement. The Low velocity is about in the low range of the recommended velocity of air flow with a greenhouse horizontal air flow circulation system (about 0.25 m/s = 50 ft/min). 

So why the enhancement of photosynthesis?  

Earlier research showed that insufficient air movement around plants generally limits photosynthesis by suppressing the gas diffusion in the leaf boundary-layer. This is the conceptual layer of still air that surrounds the leaf. With increasing wind velocity the boundary layer becomes thinner and resistance decreases (top graph).  More gas diffusion can take place through the leaf pores (stomata). With more  CO₂ diffusion into the leaf, photosynthesis increases (middle graph). Consequently, transpiration (loss of water from the leaf through stomata) also increases (bottom graph). Excessive wind velocity and water stress will causes the leaf pores to close (not shown).  So there has got to be the correct balance. Not too much air movement, not too little, and the plants have to be irrigated properly in the first place.  (See Kitaya, 2003 below)

The optimum air circulation for photosynthesis depends on the plant species, structure and depth of the plant canopy, among other factors.  In general, plant air circulation has been provided by venting of greenhouses and air circulation with various fan systems.

In the next post, I'll bring to light one of the classic systems, HAF, horizontal air flow system.