Research on the use of electronic sensors and spectrometry in monitoring plants and the main environmental parameters involved in plant growth

Considering the increase in the need for food due to the growing global population and the undeniable climate changes that have a significant and destructive impact on agricultural production, interdisciplinary collaboration between specialists from various fields of activity and the integration of technical and scientific knowledge must become a standard way of working.
In this regard, we will focus on the collaboration between information technology and horticulture.
Our study examines tomato cultivation in a controlled environment, with data collection taking place from March to June 2022. The data were correlated with the phenophases of the studied crop.
The atmospheric parameters monitored include temperature, humidity, pressure, CO₂, and illumination levels.
In the soil, we monitored temperature, humidity, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH, as well as the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Regarding the leaf apparatus, we analyzed reflectance at various wavelengths, namely 410, 435, 460, 485, 510, 535, 560, 585, 610, 645, 670, 705, 730, 810, 860, 900, and 940 nm.
Before the study, the sensors used were calibrated in the laboratories of the Timis Pedological and Agrochemical Studies Office.
The research had several objectives: demonstrating the feasibility of developing cost-effective equipment, identifying correlations between the studied parameters and phenophases, and spectrophotometrically analyzing the leaf apparatus to diagnose early deficiencies and diseases.

IX South-Eastern Europe Symposium on Vegetables and Potatoes

O.O. Cornea, D. Camen, G. Poșta

electronic sensors, spectrometry, monitoring plants, environmental parameters, plant growth

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2024.1391.96