Wireless sensors are key components of greenhouse monitoring systems. Each sensor continually measures a specific condition like temperature or humidity in a specific location and reports those measurements to the system. Each sensor is connected to our gateways which in turn sends the data to our cloud servers so you can view, be alerted and run reports via a user-friendly web and mobile application.
Types of sensors commonly used in greenhouses
Temperature and humidity sensors are used most often. Both day and night temperatures should be carefully monitored. High temperatures may cause damages such as inhibition of growth, fruit abortion, and even death. Temperatures lower than the optimum will alter plant metabolic systems to slow growth and hinder fruit or plant quality and volume.
Other areas of sensors in greenhouses are also commonly used for the following:
Moisture detection - Sensors placed in the soil will measure moisture content.
Equipment monitoring – Sensors placed on misting and irrigation systems will monitor the performance of pumps and pressure lines. Place sensors on vented roofs, side vents and fans so that you get an alert if any of them stop running or operate outside of preset parameters.
Access control - Sensors placed on entrance doors, windows, supply rooms and equipment sheds will alert you to any unauthorized entry into your facility during off-hours when no staff is on duty.
Power supply monitoring – Electricity powers critical equipment like lighting, water wells, heater fans, louvers, sprinklers and humidifiers. Sensors will immediately detect electric outages.
CO2 levels – Sensors mounted in your greenhouse will detect when CO2 goes above or below your critical threshold.
Air circulation monitoring – Sensors placed on automatic ventilation systems like vented roofs, side vents and forced fans will alert you if these systems stop running or start operating outside preset parameters.
Soil & water pH levels – Sensors can prevent nutrient deficiencies that occur in over- or under-acidic soil by sampling the soil’s pH levels through electrical conductivity monitoring. The greenhouse water and nutrients applied may change the median pH over time. Correct choices in fertilizers and management of the irrigation water can be implemented.
Accessing sensor data
Our cloud-based system provides a real-time status of all monitored conditions and lets you remotely view, graph, print and export this information. You can view the status of multiple locations, access trending reports, check specific equipment status and review alarm history without having to install any software.
Data history helps identify patterns and trends in greenhouse environmental conditions so you can address problems early. Having to manually monitor and record data takes a significant amount of personnel time and detracts from other important workplace demands.
Installation of greenhouse sensors
Greenhouse sensors can be placed in the soil, mounted to posts or walls, or placed on equipment, depending on their type and what condition you want to monitor. Wireless sensors can be placed up to 1,000' away (depending on line of sight and potential obstacles) from their gateway device for data capture.
We have a nationwide network of professional technicians that can install, test and train your staff on how to access our user interface, set thresholds and run reports.