Benefit from Biomass Boiler Emissions to Increase Greenhouse CO2 Levels for Optimal Growth and Yield in Tomato, Cucumber, and Strawberry

Abstract

Rising greenhouse gas emissions, especially CO₂, has become a major environmental issue by contributing to the aggravation of the effects of climate change. Despite this, elevated CO₂ has been demonstrated to positively affect plants by stimulating their growth, development, and water-use efficiency through the stimulation of photosynthesis. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the potential use of elevated CO₂ from industrial heating emissions as a biostimulant for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) plants grown in a semiclosed greenhouse. For this, the effect of 1000 ppm of CO₂ on plant gas exchange, nutrient uptake, and metabolism is determined. Additionally, a biofilter system is designed to retain particles and toxic substances generated during combustion. Air quality analyses demonstrate the efficiency of the biofilter in capturing these substances, preventing their emissions in the greenhouse. On the plants, elevated CO₂ levels significantly improve photosynthesis, growth, and fruit yield in all the species. Moreover, the increase in mineral nutrient requirements and changes in the dynamics of the metabolites indicate a physiological adaptation of the plants. These changes highlight the potential use of CO₂-rich pollutant gases in optimizing agricultural practices, thus reducing their emissions into the atmosphere.