The use of bottled gases in agriculture is on the rise, and for good reason. Bottled gases offer farmers plenty of benefits, and they continue to undertake a growing role in modern agriculture, particularly as the focus continues to shift to more environmentally friendly approaches to farming.  

Uses of Bottled Gas in Agriculture 

Here, we will break down several ways that various bottled gases can not only improve crop yields, but also reduce costs and environmental impacts along the way. 

CO2 for Enrichment in Greenhouses 

The impact of CO2 enrichment cannot be understated in modern greenhouse farming, and yet it is often something that is either not spoken about, or not known. It occurs where the concentration of CO2 is artificially increased to boost plant growth and improve crop yields. This process prevents previous issues of a lack of CO2, which is a limiting factor for photosynthesis. Without sufficient photosynthesis taking place, not enough oxygen and sugars are creating, leaving plants lacking in the fuel they near for growth. 

Not only that, but with more CO2 available, plants can also reduce the pores on their leaves, which means they lose less water, improving water efficiency and reducing farmers bills. But, with CO2 bottles, farmers can grow their crops much faster and with higher yields. Research has shown that the optimal range for CO₂ enrichment in greenhouses is between 1000 and 1500 ppm. Within this range, photosynthesis is maximised, without the negative side effects that too much CO2 can cause. 

LPG in Agriculture 

LPG is primarily made up of two gases: propane and butane, along with fine traces of other hydrocarbons. These two gases are then compressed into liquid to create LPG, as it is much easier to store and transport them in this form, both of which are key for agricultural use. 

The Benefits of Using LPG in Agriculture 

When it comes to using LPG effectively in agriculture, there are several benefits that it can bring. The most notable is crop drying, as LPG can be used to power dryers which help remove moisture in grains, seeds, and other crops. If crops are harvested when they are too moist, they are much more likely to go mouldy in storage. 

However, with the British weather becoming more temperamental every year, it can be difficult to judge when your crop is dry enough to harvest, let alone have the capacity to harvest it when it is. By using LPG-powered dryers, crops can be dried out quicker, improving the process. Farmers can also use LPG bottles to heat greenhouses, which can help provide an optimal environment for growing crops during colder seasons or offer an alternative heat source in the summer for when the sun decides not to rear its head. 

LPG-fuelled flame weeding is also a highly effective method of weed control, where high heat is used to eliminate weeds without impacting the soil, in a chemical-free manner. Even some farm machinery can run on LPG, which is a very cost-effective and much environmentally friendlier way to run machinery than the traditional petrol or diesel methods. 

Detecting LPG Leaks 

Of course, as with other uses of bottled gases (and other methods of agriculture!), there are safety concerns to be aware of. As you can imagine, when LPG gas is used at high temperatures, or the bottles become damaged in anyway, the impacts can be significant, so it is crucial that you take the necessary safety measures. As such, sensors should be installed across any area where you store LPG, and should be positioned close to the ground, to detect any leaks quickly.  

These sensors should also integrate with alarm systems, notifying you of any unusual activity within the cylinders. These sensors and alarm systems should also be checked regularly, as well as the bottles themselves, to ensure that everything is working perfectly and there is no chance of an undetected leak. The most common sensor used in detecting LPG gas leaks is the MQ-6 gas sensor, which is designed to detect leaks by measuring the concentration of propane and butane in the air around it. 

Emerging Trends and Environmental Considerations 

As we have already touched on, using bottled gases in agriculture is not a new phenomenon, but it is something that is gaining popularity and evolving with the development of smart systems, and the increasing focus on environmental sustainability. Thanks to smart systems, bottled gases can now be released more precisely than ever before, as well as monitoring real-time conditions to ensure they are upheld perfectly. These smart systems also allow you to monitor and manage gas use remotely, which can be a considerable time and money saver for the modern farmer. 

We Support your agricultural needs 

To summarise, bottled gases play a critical role in modern-day agriculture, and that role is only likely to increase. If you are interested in learning more about how bottled gases could improve your agricultural efforts, why not contact us today? 

Simply fill out and submit our online contact form or call us directly on either 01843 220 596 or 0800 195 4445 and we’d be more than happy to assist you further.