Application of Senseair K30 CO2 Sensors in a Plant Growing Laboratory

CO2Meter has experience collaborating with numerous universities, researchers, and specialists in the field of scientific developments, for whom advanced technologies and innovations are equally significant.

One such interesting example is the joint project of CO2Meter with the Phytotron department of North Carolina State University. The department houses more than 50 plant growth chambers and 5 rooftop greenhouses. The research laboratory conducts year-round plant studies using a fast-response carbon dioxide sensor K30 FR (series SE-0117). Measuring the carbon dioxide content in the air is an important part of the laboratory's work.

Samuel Cho, a research associate at North Carolina State University’s laboratory, gave an interview to CO2Meter, providing insight into his work experience. Samuel stated: “As you know, carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in conducting research. Over the past few years, we have been trying to find a reliable carbon dioxide sensor suitable for us and ultimately agreed to collaborate with your company. We had high hopes for the K30 FR sensors and were satisfied with their performance.”

After receiving feedback from Samuel regarding the potential capabilities and use of the sensors in plant growth chambers, CO2Meter specialists became interested in studying the complex of ecological greenhouses and learned much more about the North Carolina State University Phytotron project.

Carbon dioxide sensor K30 FR in a growth chamber

CO2Meter specialists discussed with Samuel the significance of using K30 SE-0117 sensors for conducting ecological research at North Carolina State University.

CO2Meter: Samuel, tell us about your mission in the Phytotron project and how your work began.

Samuel: “We are part of the University, and the Phytotron project primarily provides plant growth chambers for scientists and various companies to carry out comprehensive research activities. Our goal is to ensure stable optimal conditions for researchers in the field of agriculture to conduct their studies with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.”

CO2Meter: Samuel, how do the technologies used in the production of sensors supplied by CO2Meter help your industry in measurements, data recording, and the overall work process?

Samuel: “Overall, we found that CO2Meter provides affordable and effective technologies for measuring carbon dioxide content. Previously, we had experience using Vaisala sensors, which were stable but did not fit our budget.”

CO2Meter: Based on your experience, what event related to carbon dioxide has been the most significant in your field?

Samuel: “As far as I can tell, due to climate change and recent research related to carbon dioxide, scientists are beginning to take its application in their scientific work more seriously.”

CO2Meter: Why did you choose CO2Meter as your supplier of carbon dioxide sensors?

Samuel: “CO2Meter sensors were recommended to us by a fellow researcher who had experience using them as an alternative to Vaisala sensors.”

Sensor SE-0117 in a growth chamber

CO2Meter: For what purposes is carbon dioxide used in your field?

Samuel: “Our project studies the benefits of using carbon dioxide in plant cultivation, and we conduct corresponding data analyses and other research.”

Samuel: «No, there have been no such cases».

CO2Meter: In summary, how do you evaluate the results of the carbon dioxide measurement?

Samuel: «We were very pleased with the fast response of the carbon dioxide sensors, as well as their flexibility, which made integration with our management system very easy».

The interview with Samuel Cho from North Carolina State University greatly assisted CO2Meter in studying the impact of carbon dioxide on crop yield and its role in scientific research.

CO2Meter plans to continue providing universities with technological solutions and devices for measuring gas concentrations to promote further scientific development.

Phytotron (Phytotron): Generally, this term refers to chambers for growing plants under strictly controlled environmental conditions. They are usually combined in laboratories specifically designed to study plant responses to environmental conditions and organized in such a way as to allow simultaneous study of many combinations of environmental factors.  Controlled parameters include light intensity, day and night duration, temperature, watering, amount and quality of fertilizers, as well as soil composition.

Currently, within the Phytotron project at North Carolina State University, methods for controlling humidity and carbon dioxide content are being developed.

If you face a similar task of determining CO2 concentration - you should definitely choose a sensor operating on NDIR technology. Our catalog includes both ready-made sensors and OEM solutions. For additional technical questions and purchasing inquiries, please contact our specialists.