The five most commonly used multisensors in greenhouse horticulture

The sensor comes with a clip equipped with two optical fibers. We recommend affixing this clip horizontally onto the most recently developed leaf (typically at the top of the crop), where shading from other leaves is minimized. This placement ensures the collection of reliable data and allows for the detection of subtle differences on a weekly basis.

The data provided by the sensor furnishes users with invaluable insights. For instance, a low photosynthetic efficiency may indicate stress due to excessive light, a CO₂ deficiency, or another suboptimal climatic factor. Conversely, a high photosynthetic efficiency suggests that the plant is capable of handling significantly more light than it currently receives. By meticulously analyzing this data, you can prevent overexposure and optimize the plant’s photosynthetic processes, thereby cultivating a more resilient crop that typically yields higher outputs and/or energy savings.

For accurate soil measurements, it is essential that the probe—equipped with three pins—is inserted into the root zone. For above-ground monitoring, it is advisable to mount the sensor on a stand so that the housing is positioned above the crop canopy. Thanks to the three-meter-long cable, there is ample reach to install the sensor correctly above ground. Additionally, ensure that the solar panel receives sufficient sunlight to recharge the battery effectively.

The data provided by the Soil Pro+ sensor enables users to draw correlations between soil and climate conditions. For example, you can observe how soil moisture and EC interact, which aids in optimizing both irrigation and fertilization. Concurrently, temperature and PAR values offer insights into the interplay between soil and air conditions and their collective impact on plant development.

The Air Pro+ should be mounted horizontally and can be placed at any point of interest. Often, it is installed at the crop’s head height—referred to as the microclimate. Alternatively, when a comparison with the greenhouse’s macroclimate is desired, the Air Pro+ is mounted one or two meters above the crop. Additionally, a third sensor can be positioned within the crop canopy to monitor local air conditions and map the absorbed PAR of the plants. Frequently, the Air Pro+ and other Sigrow sensors are mounted using Sigrow’s magnetic sensor holder.

The data provided by the Air Pro+ offers a detailed depiction of the greenhouse’s air quality. For instance, high relative humidity may indicate a risk of mold, while excessively low humidity can lead to plant dehydration. CO₂ measurements are essential to determine whether plants have sufficient access to this crucial photosynthetic building block. By integrating these data, you can optimize the greenhouse climate effectively.

The SiPixel is mounted no more than half a meter above the crop. The leaf temperature sensor is directed toward the crop—this can be a leaf, flower, or head. The sensor requires a distance of between 5 and 10 centimeters; the farther it is placed, the larger the area it measures.

The plant-IR data enables you to monitor crop health by assessing leaf temperature. A leaf temperature that is too high may indicate heat stress, while a temperature that is too low suggests suboptimal absorption of light or moisture. By combining this data with measurements of PAR and relative humidity, you can better respond to the plants’ needs and reduce stress.

The installation process is as follows: after activating the gateway (the central connection hub via 4G or ethernet cable), the Firefly automatically pairs with the supplied magnet upon resetting. The sensor then transmits its measurement data every 5 minutes to the MyLedgnd platform.

The data provided by the Firefly enables you to analyze both the climatic and soil conditions in your greenhouse. The combination of climate, CO₂, and soil/substrate measurements helps you understand the interactions between light, air, and soil parameters—for example, how humidity influences the crop’s water uptake.