Using microcontrollers and sensors to build an inexpensive CO(2) control system for growth chambers

PREMISE: A CO(2) control system is important for investigating how elevated CO(2) affects plant growth. Our automatic CO(2) monitoring and control system offers an inexpensive and flexible way to make CO(2)‐enriched environments. METHOD AND RESULTS: Using microcontrollers paired with non‐dispersive infrared CO(2) sensors, relays, and valves, we developed a low‐cost system for monitoring and controlling CO(2) levels in growth chambers. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with existing commercially available CO(2) control systems, Arduino‐based microcontrollers offer affordable access to the data logging of CO(2) levels in growth chambers, thereby reducing budget limitations for creating growth conditions with highly controlled CO(2) concentrations.