Wireless sensor networks to precisely monitor substrate moisture and electrical conductivity dynamics in a cut-flower greenhouse operation.

摘要

The precise monitoring and control of irrigation and electrical conductivity in real-time has been a goal of many greenhouse producers for many years, but most technologies are either extremely expensive and/or do not have the precision for use in porous soilless substrates. We have deployed a low-cost wireless sensor network, developed by Carnegie Mellon University, in a commercial cut-flower operation in Maryland. This sensor network is monitoring the water content and electrical conductivity of the solution in a porous perlite substrate, using capacitance (Echo₂0 EC-5, and 5TE) sensors from Decagon Devices (Pullman, WA). The challenge is to accurately measure spatial and temporal dynamics in real-time, to ensure precision irrigation and nutrient applications and improve the uniformity and quality of cut-flower Antirrhinum cultivars produced by this operation. We are working towards a full integration of these control capabilities with the grower, so that he can fertigate based upon substrate matric potential or electrical conductivity set-points with this re-circulating hydroponic system.