Interactions of Limiting Factors | Biology for Grade 10 PDF Download

The importance of limiting factors – Higher only

Light

• use greenhouses constructed from glass or alternative materials that enable maximum transmission of light
• position plants for maximum light absorption
• Artificial lighting systems can be used:
• with increased light intensities
• that provide optimum wavelengths of light for photosynthesis
• that lengthen a plant's growing season so that crops can be grown in more months of the year

Carbon Dioxide

To increase the carbon dioxide concentration in a growing area, plant growers:

• use paraffin heaters on a small scale
• on a larger scale, use carbon dioxide wastes from industrial processes that has been cleaned up before use
• can use liquid carbon dioxide, applied through pipes, though this can be expensive
• sometimes use fungi, grown as a mycelium in bags around the greenhouse, that add carbon dioxide through their respiration

The concentration of carbon dioxide in greenhouses is often kept at around 0.1 per cent. Above one per cent, carbon dioxide changes cell pH – it makes it more acidic – and it becomes toxic.
In greenhouses at higher temperatures, photosynthetic production declines, and carbon dioxide supplements have no effect.

Water

• Irrigation systems in greenhouses help to increase yields. Plants in greenhouses are often sprayed with water to keep the humidity high.
  
• Growers must find a balance as high humidity will promote the growth of pathogenic fungi.
• Irrigation systems are also used outdoors.
• Plants are sometimes grown in liquid systems called hydroponics. Hydroponics allow the grower to optimise mineral ions given to plants. Mineral ions are required to synthesise other essential molecules from the glucose produced during photosynthesis.

Temperature

• Heat is often used in greenhouses and makes plant growth possible when the weather is cold outside.
• Increased temperatures in greenhouses increase the rate of photosynthesis. Temperature regulation is important – note that cooling may also be required.