The 3 biggest pitfalls when starting with sensors in the greenhouse and how to avoid them

More and more greenhouse growers are using sensors and plant feedback systems to collect data. It is a logical step, because measuring is knowing, and data is a basic requirement for anyone looking to optimise their cultivation process. As with any new technology, there are also pitfalls. Especially in the early stages, incorrect assumptions or unclear expectations can lead to disappointment.

In this knowledge article, we share the three most common pitfalls when starting with sensors, and how to avoid them.

It is important to understand from the start that when you begin working with sensors, plant feedback systems and data, you will start approaching your cultivation process more from a botanical perspective rather than purely a physical one. Plant science focuses specifically on how plants respond to changes in their environment and climate. Physics is about understanding universal natural laws, such as light, temperature and humidity. Plant science focuses on how plants react to those conditions.

Thanks to sensors, the grower’s focus shifts from simply controlling the climate (physics) to monitoring and understanding how the plant responds to it (plant science).

On average, it takes about two to three months before you can start recognising patterns, identifying relationships and drawing well founded conclusions. During this period, you learn to detect deviations.

You might then conclude that the crop is possibly experiencing light stress. If you also link this to leaf temperature, you can confirm that the plant is indeed coming under pressure.

Take action by dimming the lights or using screens to prevent the plant from becoming exhausted. Another example is a rising VPD combined with a drop in relative humidity. This could indicate increased evaporation, which may lead to stress. Respond by adjusting ventilation or humidity control to restore balance before any damage occurs to your crop.

1. Start measuring and give yourself time to become familiar with the data. See the first three months as a phase of collecting and building, during which you learn to observe, recognise patterns and spot deviations. Only after that will you have a solid foundation for data driven crop optimisation.

2. Do not focus on a single value, but look for patterns and connections. MyLedgnd helps you combine data from multiple sensors into one clear overview. This way, you not only see what is happening, but also why it is happening. Trends and interactions give you the tools to act proactively instead of reacting to incidents.

3. Data from sensors can tell you a lot, but without action, data remains passive. By setting notifications or alerts, you turn deviations into concrete triggers for action. This makes measurement and response a fixed part of your cultivation strategy rather than isolated observations without follow up.