Pacgas - Agriculture
Agricultural Gas Solutions
The agriculture industry in Australia is a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, renowned for its high-quality agricultural products. Australia’s agriculture sector encompasses a wide range of activities, including livestock farming, crop cultivation, horticulture, and agribusiness. The country’s favourable climate, fertile soils, and advanced farming techniques contribute to the production of a variety of agricultural commodities, including grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, and wool. Sustainable farming practices, technological innovations, and research and development initiatives have further strengthened the industry, promoting productivity, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. The industry provides essential resources both nationally and internationally, so it’s imperative that farmers can produce high yields of crops and livestock.
What Gases Are Used in Agriculture?
Industrial gases play a crucial part in ensuring the success of the agriculture industry, with roles in processes ranging from greenhouse cultivation and crop storage to livestock management and pest control. Here’s a breakdown of the gases commonly used in agriculture:
- Acetylene (C₂H₂)
Acetylene is primarily used in the agricultural industry along with Oxygen for welding and metalworking, which are essential for maintaining farm equipment and infrastructure. - Argon (Ar)
Argon is an inert gas commonly used in agricultural welding applications, particularly as part of a gas mix used for TIG and MIG welding, and for creating controlled environments for storage and packaging. - Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide is essential for enhancing plant growth in greenhouse cultivation. It is used to enrich the atmosphere, promoting photosynthesis and improving crop yields. Carbon dioxide is also employed in controlled atmosphere storage to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. - Nitrogen (N2)
Nitrogen is used for inerting and purging in agricultural storage facilities to prevent spoilage and maintain the quality of stored crops. It is also used in the production of fertilisers, playing a vital role in promoting plant growth. - Oxygen (O2)
Oxygen is used in aquaculture to oxygenate water, ensuring optimal conditions for fish and other aquatic organisms. It is also employed in controlled atmosphere storage to regulate respiration rates in stored produce.
Applications of Industrial Gases in Agriculture
Welding and Cutting
Welding and cutting are vital for maintaining and repairing equipment, constructing infrastructure, and fabricating metal components in agriculture. Industrial gases like argon, acetylene, and specialised gas mixes (such as Argon 5/2 and Argon 80/20) are crucial for these tasks. Argon and Argon mixes, for instance, are commonly used in MIG and TIG welding, offering improved weld quality, reduced spatter, and excellent penetration. Acetylene, combined with oxygen, is used in oxy-acetylene welding and cutting, producing high-temperature flames ideal for welding and cutting metal structures.
Controlled Atmosphere Storage
Controlled atmosphere storage utilises gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen to create an optimal environment for storing fruits, vegetables, and other produce. By regulating the levels of these gases, the respiration rates of stored produce are controlled, slowing down ripening and extending shelf life. This process helps maintain the quality and freshness of produce during storage and transportation.
Fertiliser Production
Nitrogen is an essential component in the production of fertilisers. Ammonia is synthesised from nitrogen and hydrogen and is further processed to produce various nitrogen-based fertilisers. These fertilisers are crucial for providing the necessary nutrients for plant growth, enhancing crop yields, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Aquaculture
In aquaculture, oxygen is used to oxygenate water in fish farms, ensuring optimal conditions for the growth and health of fish and other aquatic organisms. Adequate oxygen levels are essential for maintaining water quality, preventing stress, and promoting efficient feed conversion. Oxygenation systems are employed to deliver dissolved oxygen to the water, supporting healthy and productive aquaculture operations.
Pest Control
Gases such as nitrogen are used for pest control in storage facilities, creating an inert atmosphere that inhibits the growth of pests and microorganisms, preserving the quality of stored crops.
Greenhouse Cultivation
Carbon dioxide enrichment is a critical application in greenhouse cultivation. By increasing carbon dioxide levels, plants can photosynthesize more efficiently, leading to faster growth and higher yields. Carbon dioxide generators or compressed carbon dioxide tanks are used to maintain optimal carbon dioxide concentrations, ensuring healthy and robust plant development.