A novel whole-greenhouse static chamber method for quantifying ecosystem respiration and nitrous oxide emissions in greenhouse cultivation systems
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We present a novel and cost-effective whole-greenhouse static chamber method for quantifying nighttime ecosystem respiration (carbon dioxide emissions in the dark) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions in greenhouse cultivation systems. This method leverages routine nighttime sealing practices-such as closing vents and deploying thermal quilts-to create an enclosed environment for gas accumulation. Gas concentrations can be monitored either automatically using in situ sensors or manually via gas-tight sampling bags. In both approaches, linear regression of gas concentration versus time yields robust accumulation rates, which are then converted into fluxes based on greenhouse volume and temperature. Validation using a high-precision Picarro analyzer demonstrated strong linearity (R² > 0.95) in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and N₂O accumulation curves across 15 greenhouses, confirming the method's reliability. As both approaches produce comparable results, we recommend manual sampling for its simplicity and cost-efficiency. The method integrates emissions from soil, plants, and other surfaces, overcoming spatial limitations of small chambers. With minimal equipment and labor requirements-especially when using manual sampling-it offers a practical solution for routine monitoring of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in controlled-environment agriculture.•Allows for whole-ecosystem CO₂ and N₂O flux estimation using manual sampling and gas chromatography.•Demonstrates strong agreement with continuous online measurements in multi-site validation.•Provides a low-cost, scalable solution for GHG quantification in protected cropping systems.
Source: MethodsX
Authors: Zhi Quan, Xue Li, Yi Zhu, Fulong Wei, Yunting Fang
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,260
Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, Shenyang Science and Technology Bureau, Taishan Scholar Foundation of Shandong Province, Taishan Scholar Project of Shandong Province, National Key Research and Development Program of China, Youth Innovation Promotion Association, Shenyang Young and Middle-aged Science and Technology Innovation Talent Support Program
OpenAlex ID: W4414997130