The Microcosms platform consists of 13 identical and independent growth chambers that are specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Ecotron, with a volume of 2 m³ and a working area of 1 m². An external light compartment allows for the installation of plasma lamps or LED lamps with an adjustable spectrum. The climatic conditions, including temperature (T°C), relative humidity (RH%), atmospheric composition, and CO2 concentration, can be finely regulated and adjusted, ranging from pre-industrial levels to several times the ambient conditions. The chambers can host large planted containers, potted plants, jars with incubating soil, cages housing insects, closed earth analogues, and more. Gas exchange and isotopic labelling (13C) and fractionation measurements, whether in an open or closed mode, are also feasible at the chamber-wide level.
Access to growth chambers/phytotrons