High-Tech Sensor System Allows For Precision Irrigation
October 14, 2015 A new product will allow grape and nut growers to keep a constant watch on leaf moisture for improved irrigation management.
Continuous Leaf Monitor (LeafMon) is a suite of sensors that detect plant water status, explains Shrinivasa Upadhyaya, professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of California-Davis. LeafMon allows growers to base irrigation decisions on an actual measure of plant water status. “In particular, it has a thermal IR sensor to measure leaf temperature, and air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) sensors to measure the microclimate of the leaf,” Upadhyaya says.
The LeafMon sensor system helps growers maximize irrigation efficiency by accurately measuring plants’ moisture.
The sensor system can be attached to a branch near the trunk or stem, and a nearby shaded leaf can be positioned in a leaf holder so that the thermal IR sensor monitors that leaf’s temperature continuously, Upadhyaya explains. (Shaded leaves have been shown to provide more consistent results compared to sunlit leaves.)
“The unit has a diffuser dome to make sure that the light level over the leaf surface is uniform,” he adds. “Moreover, there is a wind barrier so that sensor readings are not significantly influenced by wind speed.”
The sensor system is different from other sensors in that it takes into account microclimate factors, including air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and light level. The system has been integrated into a wireless network and can continuously report plant water status to growers through computers or mobile devices. “Moreover,” Upadhyaya adds, “this wireless network includes actuators that can turn on latching solenoid valves for irrigation management.”
Upadhyaya and his colleagues are currently working on a project funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Almond Board of California and E & J Gallo Winery to demonstrate how LeafMon can be used for precision irrigation management.
“We hope that the system can help us use our water resources more wisely, thus assisting with sustainable food production,” Upadhyaya says.
LeafMon is currently available from Cermetek Microelectronics, (http://www.cermetek.com/) which has licensed the technology from UC-Davis.
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