Precision in agriculture is not just about increasing yields—it’s about understanding and managing the complex interaction of environmental conditions that influence plant health and growth. Educating greenhouse operators on the sophisticated yet accessible sensor technology can significantly improve how these environments are monitored and controlled.
Effective greenhouse management hinges on the precise monitoring of various environmental parameters:
- Air Temperature (T) and Relative Humidity (RH): Fundamental factors affecting plant physiology.
- CO₂ Concentration: Critical for photosynthesis, proper levels can significantly impact plant growth.
- Daily Light Integral: Reflects the total amount of light plants receive, which affects their developmental stages.
- Dew Point: Important for predicting plant disease risk.
- Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) and Light Levels: Critical for ensuring plants receive the appropriate quantity and quality of light.
In greenhouse climate control, achieving the ideal conditions relies on proper ventilation and heating systems, CO₂ dosing, and lighting management using screens and artificial lights. Track ambient conditions to maintain optimal temperature, relative humidity, CO₂ levels, and daylight exposure throughout the greenhouse.
Precise conditions not only enhance growth and yield but also prevent issues like condensation, which can trigger disease outbreaks, and ensure uniform conditions across the greenhouse.
The Aranet T/RH sensor with Radiation Shield (1) provides essential, accurate temperature and humidity measurements in greenhouses exposed to direct sunlight by creating a passive ventilation flow that prevents sensor overheating. For precise monitoring of temperature distribution in the greenhouse, use a T/RH sensor (2).
The Aranet PAR sensor (3) allows the optimization of artificial lighting strategies by adjusting the intensity based on the levels of natural light received. Different plants require varying CO₂ concentrations to maximize their growth rates – use the CO₂ sensor (4) to maintain these set values.
Understanding the environment is key to successful greenhouse management. Sensor technology provides essential data that helps inform decisions and refine environmental controls. This educational approach ensures that greenhouse operators are equipped with the knowledge to apply these technologies effectively, enhancing both plant growth and operational efficiency.