IR Plant Temperature Sensor
The Aranet IR Plant Temperature sensor is designed to measure the surface temperature of plant leaves. An adjustable arm provides precise sensor installation for plant temperatures measurements in greenhouse applications making it a valuable tool to calculate Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD).
Features
Contactless plant temperature measurements
Evaluate Vapor Pressure Deficit
Sensor has an adjustable arm for precise installation
Wireless sensor
The sensor uses an infrared (IR) thermometer and adjustable arm for contactless plant leave temperature measurements. The sensor mount has two magnets for simple installation on a metallic constructions.
The sensor provides temperature data, which in combination with relative humidity measurements can be used to determine dew point and vapor pressure deficit.
Use cases
This sensor is crucial for precise vapor pressure deficit (VPD) calculations. In the Aranet Cloud platform, users can determine VPD by combining plant leaf temperature data with relative humidity measurements from the T/RH sensor.
VPD parameter informs about the impact of humidity on plant growth. VPD measures the difference between the moisture in the air and how much moisture the air can hold at a given temperature.
When the VPD level is high, meaning air is relatively dry, the plant experiences increased pressure. This increases the transpiration rate and plants consume more water. Inadequate watering in such conditions can lead to the wilting of plants. On the other hand, if the VPD level is low, the plant will transpire less. In such conditions, it is important not to overwater the plant.
Make data-based decisions to adapt ventilation, irrigation, and other greenhouse systems for healthy plant growth.
Useful tips
The optimal placement of the sensor is perpendicular to the leaf, at a distance of 5–20 cm (2-8 inches). Since leaves move during the day, it should not be placed too close.
The sensor’s field of view is 5 degrees — a table showing the measurement area depending on distance can be found down below.
IR Plant Temperature Sensor field of view (FOV) is 5°C (41°F)
Distance to the plant leaves is represented by h:
5 (2 in)
5
0.2 (0.08 in)
0.4 (0.16 in)
0.1 (0.04 in)
10 (3.9 in)
5
0.4 (0.16 in)
0.9 (0.35 in)
0.6 (0.24 in)
15 (5.9 in)
5
0.7 (0.28 in)
1.3 (0.51 in)
1.3 (0.51 in)
20 (7.9 in)
5
0.9 (0.35 in)
1.7 (0.67 in)
2.4 (0.94 in)
25 (9.8 in)
5
1.1 (0.43 in)
2.2 (0.87 in)
3.7 (1.46 in)
30 (11.8 in)
5
1.3 (0.51 in)
2.6 (1.02 in)
5.4 (2.13 in)
The sensor probe (cable) is best positioned with the outlet from the transmitter facing downward, so that in case of watering, water can run along the sensor housing.
Creating virtual sensor in Aranet Cloud
To create virtual sensors like VPD or dew point in the Aranet Cloud “Sensors” section, opt for the "NEW VIRTUAL SENSOR" feature in the Virtual Sensor sheet. Select the Vapor Pressure Deficit or Dew Point template and choose sensor measurements to create the appropriate virtual sensor.
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