Agriculture
Dry ice and CO₂ for freshness, quality and productivity in agriculture
Agriculture – Efficient Cooling, Safe Storage, Hygienic Processes
In the agricultural sector, product quality, shelf life and safe processes are among the key factors. Dry ice and CO₂ offer versatile solutions that support cooling, storage, cleaning and growth promotion in equal measure – from fruit and vegetable cultivation and livestock farming to the processing of agricultural products.
Fruit Storage – Extended Shelf Life Through a CO₂ Atmosphere
Particularly delicate, ripe fruit such as berries must be harvested when ripe, as it has very little storage potential. Dry ice is used to create a CO₂-rich atmosphere in the storage room, reducing the oxygen content and thus preserving the freshness of the fruit.
The storage of fruit that ripens after harvesting, such as apples or pears, can also be optimised with CO₂. Thanks to the controlled atmosphere, the shelf life can be extended from two to three months to nine to twelve months.
In this way, CO₂ plays a crucial role in fruit growing by ensuring quality and extending shelf life.
Cooling and Transport of Agricultural Products
Dry ice plays a key role in the cooling and transport of agricultural products, as it ensures stable freezing temperatures during storage and transport – without any water, residues or chemical additives. This preserves the quality of fruit, vegetables, herbs and berries even over long distances, and ensures that the cold chain is reliably maintained.
Particularly immediately after harvesting, the use of dry ice enables a freshness-preserving treatment that controls the natural ripening process and extends the shelf life of products.
Greenhouse Cultivation – Promoting Growth Through CO₂ Injection
Temperature, nutrients, water, light and CO₂ play a key role in optimal plant growth. Targeted CO₂ enrichment of the greenhouse atmosphere allows growth conditions to be optimised.
This is where ASCO CO₂ evaporators come into play: they convert liquid CO₂ from storage tanks into gaseous CO₂, which is then fed into the greenhouse via control valves and process controllers. ASCO CO₂ flow meters allow the gas flow to be monitored, whilst ASCO CO₂ sensors in the greenhouse continuously monitor the concentration. This enables farmers to ensure precise dosing and optimal growing conditions.
An optimal CO₂ supply can enable yield increases of up to 35%, depending on the plant species and initial conditions.
The Benefits of CO₂ and Dry Ice in the Agricultural Sector
Optimal cooling and shelf life
Longer shelf life and freshness of fruit, vegetables and animal feed
CO₂-assisted storage
Extended shelf life and consistent quality of ripe and post-ripening fruit
Promoting plant growth in greenhouses
Higher yields through precise CO₂ dosing
High food safety standards
Dry ice is non-toxic and odourless and tasteless, making it ideal for cooling food – without affecting quality, taste or food safety.
Cleaning of Machinery and Equipment – Efficient and Gentle
Dry ice blasting is a particularly effective method for cleaning machines, conveyor belts, silos or storage areas efficiently and without leaving any residue. As this process uses neither water nor chemicals, surfaces are preserved gently and no additional waste is produced. At the same time, dry ice blasting reduces downtime and maintenance costs, allowing production processes to run more efficiently.
The residue-free and dry cleaning process also ensures a high standard of hygiene, which is particularly crucial in food and agricultural production.
Dry Ice Storage – Flexible On-Site Handling
For practical use on the farm, in warehouses or during transport, the safe storage of dry ice is crucial. High-quality insulated dry ice boxes and containers keep pellets or blocks cold for extended periods, minimise sublimation losses and enable flexible handling directly on site.
This allows farmers, agricultural logistics providers or processors to use dry ice as required without having to wait for external deliveries, whilst ensuring the freshness and quality of the products.
Comprehensive Dry Ice and CO₂ Solutions for the Agricultural Sector
ASCO systems for dry ice production, storage, handling and CO₂ evaporation enable processes in the agricultural sector to be organised efficiently. From fresh produce storage, silage, greenhouse applications and cleaning through to the on-site supply of dry ice, we provide safe, sustainable and cost-effective solutions that meet the demands of modern agriculture.
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info@ascoco2.com
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