Application of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Concentration Sensors in the Mushroom Cultivation Process

Currently, the number of mushroom growing facilities in Russia is rapidly increasing. Mushrooms are a highly demanded product in our country. Besides being a delicacy that always enhances any festive table, mushrooms contain a large amount of beneficial minerals (phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, etc.), as well as vitamins from groups F, H, and B. The demand for this product continues to grow, and accordingly, mushroom cultivation is a profitable business. However, like any other business, it requires a competent approach, using only quality raw materials and equipment.

One of the most important factors contributing to the rapid growth and "health" of mushrooms is the air quality in the room where they are grown. Air quality is ensured by designing and installing supply and exhaust ventilation, controlling parameters such as air temperature and humidity. But there is one parameter that is at least as important as the above-mentioned ones in terms of its impact on the quality and speed of mushroom cultivation. This parameter is the carbon dioxide concentration in the air. Different mushroom growing cycles require maintaining different CO₂ concentrations. Since carbon dioxide is constantly released during growth, it is necessary to supply fresh air to the room. Doing this manually is possible but unwise. Our company offers a wide range of CO₂ concentration sensors that allow automating the process. You can view them in the catalog on our website. For automation, it is primarily necessary to have an accurate and reliable sensor. Install it in the production room and either connect it to the existing ventilation control system or connect it directly to the duct exhaust fan using a relay output. The sensor will continuously monitor the CO₂ content in the air and, depending on its level, decrease or increase the fresh air supply rate.

In conclusion, we would like to say that the mushroom business is certainly profitable and good. For example, suppose the growing area is 100 m². With an average yield of 15 kg of product per square meter and an average price of 150 rubles per kilogram of champignons, the income for 2 months (the maturation period) will be 225,000 rubles. But such financial results can only be achieved by precisely controlling the growth process, including ambient temperature, humidity, and most importantly, CO₂! If any of these parameters are measured poorly and their optimal maintenance is not ensured, hopes for active mushroom growth will not be fulfilled. That is why control and measuring instruments are one of the most important parts of a mushroom farm, and you cannot skimp on them.

You could choose a cheaper CO₂ sensor, unprotected, with a less quality sensing element, etc. But such a device will initially be unstable, and its readings will increasingly deviate from the truth over time or it may fail entirely if moisture gets inside the housing. The microclimate maintained based on inaccurate device readings will differ from the optimal one, which will ultimately lead to constant losses for your business in the form of reduced product and profit. Ultimately, those who have already fallen into this trap and calculated their losses install higher quality solutions, which, although initially more expensive, quickly pay off—especially in a business like mushroom cultivation. Such devices also provide peace of mind and confidence both in the accuracy of the obtained data and in durability over many years. Essentially, this is the kind of solution that in production is called: "Set it and forget it."

As an example of a quality CO₂ concentration transducer, we would like to introduce you to aSense GH, which has been in use for a long time in European and Asian markets and has recently entered our market but has already earned approval from domestic mushroom producers.

aSENSE GH is the most optimal sensor for this application. However, we can offer alternative options depending on the specifics of a particular production:

• Sensor with analog outputs 0...10 V and 4...20 mA – eSENSE
• Sensor with analog outputs 0...10 V and 4...20 mA, protection class IP54 – eSENSE Ind
• Sensor with two relay outputs – H5024

Also, among our products, there are many different sensors that can suit most measurement tasks. Call us and we will be happy to help your developing or already thriving business.

Make the right choice!