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Leaf Wetness Dielectric Sensor
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ECHO Leaf Wetness Dielectric Sensor
The Leaf Wetness Sensor measures the presence and duration of moisture on a leaf's surface. The sensor measures the dielectric constant of the sensor's upper surface to determine the presence of water or ice. INNOVATIVE and easy-to-use, the new Dielectric Leaf Wetness Sensor enables accurate and affordable leaf wetness monitoring. Many fungal and bacterial diseases affect plants only when moisture is present on the leaf surface. The Leaf Wetness Sensor determines the presence and duration of wetness on a leaf's surface, enabling researchers and producers to forecast disease and protect plant canopies.
Product Description
How It Works
The Leaf Wetness Sensor approximates the thermal mass and radiative properties of leaves to closely mimic the wetness state of a real leaf. The way it works is simple: if the canopy is wet, the sensor is wet; if the canopy is dry, the sensor is dry. The Leaf Wetness Sensor measures the dielectric constant of the top of the sensor. The dielectric constants of water (80) and ice (5) are higher than air (1), so the sensor can determine the presence or absence of wetness using this method. Measurements can be logged at user-defined intervals to determine the duration of wetness on the canopy.
Sensor Benefits
Because the Leaf Wetness Sensor measures the dielectric constant, moisture does not need to bridge electrical traces for the sensor to detect moisture; the presence of water or ice anywhere on the sensor surface will be detected. Unlike common resistance-based sensors, it requires no painting or user calibration, and it can detect ice presence. The low power requirement and long battery life (2+ years with Em50 Datalogger) enable effective long-term leaf wetness monitoring.
Leaf Wetness Sensor Specifications
Measurement time 10 ms
Power 2.5VDC @ 2mA to 5VDC @ 7mA
Output 250 to 1500 mV
Operating Environment -10c to 60c
Expected Lifetime 2+ years continuous use
Probe Dimensions 11.2cm x 5.8cm x 0.075cm
Cable Length 5m standard, extension cables available
Connector type 3.5mm plug
Datalogger Compatibility (not exclusive) Decagon Em5b, Em50, Em50R Campbell Scientific CR10, 10X, 21X, 23X, 1000, 3000, 5000
Forecast plant disease Modeling for blight Canopy treatment scheduling
Imitates characteristics of real leaf
Requires no painting or user calibration
Can detect ice on the "leaf" surface
Low power
High resolution