In the world of greenhouse farming, precision is crucial. Beyond general climate control, monitoring one or a few reference plants can provide a precise understanding of plant growth processes. These specially chosen plants, equipped with advanced sensors, serve as real-time indicators of the overall health and growth conditions within the greenhouse environment. By focusing on these reference points, growers can enhance their understanding and management of vital plant growth processes and root zone conditions.
Create reference plants to gain insights into:
1. Plant growth processes
- Weight of the plants and fruits
- Plant leaf temperature
- Vapor pressure deficit (VPD)
- Micro-variations of stem diameter
- Sap flow in stem
2. Root zone conditions
- Volumetric water content (VWC)
- Salinity (EC) level
- Electrical conductivity in pores (ECp)
- Temperature
- Drainage water volume
Continuous weight measurement using the Aranet Weight sensor (1, 2) enables real-time monitoring of various factors including biomass increase, plant weight, water addition, and drainage weight. For more comprehensive insights, consider combining multiple weight sensors to detail processes within the greenhouse (1).
The Aranet IR Plant Temperature sensor (3) is specifically designed to measure plant leaf surface temperatures, making it invaluable for calculating Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD) when used alongside T/RH measurements. Explore how irrigation rates and environmental factors impact water balance and plant growth by tracking micro variations in Stem diameter and Sap flow (4).
To ensure optimal irrigation, monitor VWC, temperature, and Electrical Conductivity (EC) – a strong indicator of nutrient status. Utilize the Soil sensor WET150 (5) for accurate monitoring in both soil and soilless substrates, applicable to indoor and outdoor greenhouse environments.
The strategic use of reference plants armed with precise sensors not only speeds up the management of complex greenhouse environments but also ensures that every decision is backed by accurate, real-time data. This targeted approach aids in maximizing plant health and yield, significantly boosting the efficiency of resource use. Dive deeper into the science of precision agriculture and discover how small changes can lead to significant improvements in your greenhouse operations.
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