Under what circumstances are various soil sensors used?

Background:

Many greenhouse growers experience plant nutrition issues that affect plant quality and profitability. Many times it is too late to discover the problem! This is because their focus is reactive rather than proactive… Having soil sensors and automated software in the root zone of plants to prevent problems is a key advancement in greenhouse productivity and crop success. Having multiple soil sensors in the root zone of your crops means you’ll have a better idea of what nutrients they’re looking for.

What are you measuring in the root zone?

1.Electrical conductivity (EC)

The EC of soil solution, irrigation water or fertilizer solution is an important condition affecting the root zone environment of crops. Any of these factors can have a major impact on plant growth, quality and overall yield. The easiest way to monitor salinity is to measure electrical conductivity (EC). EC is closely related to the nutrition of soil contents.

EC measurements are also affected by temperature and, to a lesser extent, by soil moisture content. Often, measuring nutrient levels is cumbersome and time-consuming, and can damage plants. Now there is a better and more accurate technology that growers can easily adopt. Rugged soil sensors easily measure plant nutrient deficiencies, which can be used to trigger irrigation from our software, enabling 24/7 quality crop production.

2.Moisture

Soil moisture and its availability to support plant growth is a major factor affecting agricultural productivity. Too little water can lead to yield loss and plant death. Too much can lead to root disease and water wastage.

Just as importantly, water is the delivery mechanism for any nutrients that are not tightly bound to the soil. Whether these nutrients are delivered to the field by irrigation systems or by other means, the movement of water in the soil determines how they are delivered to plant roots. Good water management is important in itself, but good water management also means good nutrient management.

Precise control of the root zone environment, including moisture and nutrient levels, results in healthier crops and higher yields. The techniques described in this publication can help you control the root zone environment by taking measurements, observing trends over time, and using this information to make irrigation decisions. When properly applied, it can significantly increase productivity and reduce costs.

3.Temperature

Root zone temperature is also an important factor in understanding plant health. Greenhouses that provide heat directly to the growing medium instead of heating the greenhouse air can have a triple benefit for their crops: faster production, resilient plant health and energy savings.

If the root zone temperature is maintained at optimal levels, the air temperature inside the greenhouse can be reduced by 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing heat loss to the outside and reducing energy consumption. This is possible because root zone temperature is more critical than leaf temperature for good plant growth. We utilize a hot water program to maintain heat levels within the growing medium.

Soil quick test platform

The hand-held soil parameter quick measuring instrument (soil detector) can insert the sensor into the soil and display the measurement results in a few seconds. It is simple and convenient, and does not need reagents.Portable soil sensor is suitable for farmland production, soil research, greenhouse planting, orchard nursery, all kinds of horticultural soil testing, support parameter free customization, multi in one soil sensor customization.