How does it work?
FACE: Free-Air gas Concentration Enrichment
This new technology allows controlled carbon dioxide and ozone enrichment of large plots within a field without any enclosure. With a flick of a switch, large areas of crop can be exposed to the atmospheric composition expected in 2050.
Impression of a FACE ring. Wind Direction and velocity are measured in the center, then a computer controls the release of gases to simulate future possible conditions.
In the field how can we add gases that will just blow away?
FACE uses the wind to elevate the concentrations of these gasses. Micropores in a segmented tube around the circumference release carbon dioxide or ozone according to the wind direction. The gas is measured in the ring and the computer releases more or less gass to keep a constant level of enrichment.
What are the advantages of FACE?
FACE avoids any changes to the micro-environment imposed by chambers, thereby providing the most reliable estimates of plant responses to elevated carbon dioxide and ozone. The large scale of FACE allows assessment of absolute changes in yield, water and nutrient use, as well as cultivar and fertilizer trials. SoyFACE will support a large range of integrated studies on the same plant material, promoting a comprehensive scientific understanding of atmospheric change.
How does it work? (click to see animation)
Ozone Technology - (Click to open PDF File)