Introduction

30% to 40% Increase in Growth Rate

     Of all the high-tech growth increasing methods available to the hobbyist or larger producer, the addition of CO₂ is probably the quickest, simplest, and most reliable single procedure that can be used.

     A growth rate increase of 30% to 40% is typical of grow areas with elevated levels of CO₂.

Why CO₂ Helps

     Photosynthesis is the process in which plants “inhale” CO₂ from the air and combine it with water, using light energy to produce sugar and oxygen.

     An adequate supply of CO₂ is necessary for plants to photosynthesize. A plant will quickly use up the CO₂ immediately surrounding it. Since a plant cannot move around in search of fresh air, if nothing is done to move the air, the plant will suffer from CO₂ depletion and will stop producing sugars needed for energy and growth. If the air is moved, by a fan or other means of ventilation, the plant has far more CO₂ available to it, and will grow more vigorously. If, in addition to moving the air, CO₂ is added in large quantities, the plant will respond with an enormous increase in the growth rate.