Using microcontrollers and sensors to build an inexpensive CO2 control system for growth chambers

Abstract

PREMISE: A CO2 control system is important for investigating how elevated CO2 affects plant growth. Our automatic CO2 monitoring and control system offers an inexpensive and flexible way to make CO2-enriched environments. METHOD AND RESULTS: Using microcontrollers paired with non-dispersive infrared CO2 sensors, relays, and valves, we developed a low-cost system for monitoring and controlling CO2 levels in growth chambers. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with existing commercially available CO2 control systems, Arduino-based microcontrollers offer affordable access to the data logging of CO2 levels in growth chambers, thereby reducing budget limitations for creating growth conditions with highly controlled CO2 concentrations.