Why growers measure oxygen in the root zone
In addition to regular climate data from wireless sensors and climate computers, growers can now also see the oxygen level, pH value and temperature of the root environment in ZENSIE. Recently, 30MHz partnered with Sendot Research whose sensors can be connected to the data platform. In addition to oxygen and pH, Sendot also offers a chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthesis efficiency sensor. The aim is to allow growers to optimize their cultivation strategy with these new insights.
The collaboration was officially confirmed during the Greentech last June. Since then, a batch of Sendot sensors have been linked to the 30MHz system, leading to several growers reaping the benefits of deeper insights into their crops.
Drier greenhouse conditions
A practical example of the integration can be found at the Gitzels nursery where all kinds of cabbages are grown. After the implementation Matthijs Woestenburg, innovation manager, immediately saw the benefits: “With the Sendot sensor, we can now very easily measure oxygen in a pot, but also in the water. And we can also view and interpret the data on the computer via the ZENSIE platform. It’s easier for us to create drier climate conditions in the greenhouse, which leads to less downy mildew, for example.”
Healthy plant balance
ZENSIE collects data from sensors, climate computers and manual input, giving growers quick insight into VPD, dew point, greenhouse temperature, humidity, plant temperature, CO2, air flow and infrared at both ambient and crop level. Adding metrics such as O2, pH, soil temperature, chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthesis efficiency through Sendot allows for a deeper insight into the environment and overall condition of the plant. This plays a crucial role in achieving further optimisations in the greenhouse and ensuring a healthy plant balance.
About Sendot Research
Sendot Research develops and produces optical and optochemical sensors. The sensors contain light sources, detectors, optics and electronics for optical measurements of oxygen, pH, fluorescence, photosynthesis efficiency and temperature. The products are suitable for practical and research applications within and outside the agricultural sector. www.sendot.nl
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