• Bild Slider Stamm-Wasserpotential
    • Bild Slider Stamm-Wasserpotential
    • Bild Slider Stamm-Wasserpotential
    • Bild Slider Stamm-Wasserpotential
    • Bild Slider Stamm-Wasserpotential
    • Bild Slider Stamm-Wasserpotential
    • Bild Slider Stamm-Wasserpotential
    • Bild Slider Stamm-Wasserpotential

    Stem water potential sensors (microtensiometer)

    The FloraPulse microtensiometer is a novel yet proven MEMS sensor (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) for the continuous measurement of the stem water potential in woody plants.
    The nanoporous silicon membrane used in the sensor with a pore diameter of approx. 2 nanometers enables measurements of water potentials of down to -35 bar!

    After a simple installation (approx. 20 to 30 minutes), in which the microchip tensiometer is embedded in the wood tissue of the plant, the sensor provides you with directly measured, continuous water potential data of the instrumented plant. The sensor thus replaces extremely time-consuming, expensive and not entirely safe (pressure bomb as high-pressure instrument) manual measurements on site using a pressure bomb..

    Compared to determining water potential using pressure chamber measurements (the most proven manual method to date), microtensiometers often provide more precise and more comparable data quality, as they are not operator-dependent as is often the case with pressure bombs (i.e. different users receive different results).

    The sensor is available with an analog differential or digital SDI-12 output signal and can be operated with appropriate loggers.
    Being a low low-power sensor, it is ideally suited for battery-operated IoT applications.
    We would be happy to advise you in this regard and can also supply you with the appropriate logger technology if required.

      Advantages

      • Continuous water potential data in real time
      • Can remain installed in the same tree for over 1 year (limited in case frost may occur)
      • Easy installation in < 30 minutes.
      • Installation wind and rain proof, designed for measurements under field conditions
      • No more laborious, time-consuming and dangerous pressure bomb measurements
      • Extremely low power consumption, suitable for IoT application
      • Compatible with many data loggers (analog sensor with differential sensor signal in mV, or digital SDI-12 output)

      Limits

      • At very low water potentials < -15 bar, cavitation can occur in the sensors
      • Exposing the sensors to temperatures of < 0°C can lead to defects

      Technical Data

      Sensor model name

      FloraPulse stem water potential sensor

      Scope of application

      For continuous measurement of water potential in woody plants.

      Suitable for stem diameter

      Recommended for stem diameters of > 5 cm

      Limitiation / special feature

      Recommended for operation at temperatures 5 to 50°C. Temperatures < 0°C may damage the sensor.

      Measurement range

      0 to -35 bars

      Resolution

      Theoretically infinite, depending on data logger used, e.g.:

      Campbell-Logger or Multi-Interface: < 0.1 bar

      Accuracy

      better than +/- 5% of the reading

      Data logger requirements & sensor output signal

      analog sensor:

      • regulated, low-noise and switchable excitation voltage (1 to 5 V)
      • 1 differential channel with measurement range 0 to 32 mV per volt Vex (i.e. at Vex =  1V output up to 32 mV, at Vex = 2 V up to 64 mV); in case that expected water potential range is limited, required electrical measurement range can also be limited (detailed advice on request)
      • Resolution: 12 Bit in relevant measurement range from 0 to 32 mV per volt Vex
      • Input impedance of analog channels at least 1MOhm

      SDI-12 sensor:

      • SDI-12 port

      All Campbell loggers and our Multi-Interface meet the above requirements.

      Power supply

      Vex (! regulated, low-noise !) 1 to 5 VDC, excitation duration max. 50 ms

      Power consumption is negligible.

      Operational conditions

      Temperature: 5 to 50 ° C, humidity: 0 to 100%

      Size and weight

      Diameter sensor 12 mm, weight 20 g (only sensor, without cable)

      Sensor cable length

      analog sensor:
      0.15 m + 3 m pluggable extension, extension to up to 20 m possible.

      SDI-12 Sensor:
      0.15 m + 5 m pluggable extension, extension to up to 60 m possible.

      Manuals

      Analog sensor

        Technical data sheets

        FP Stem-Microtensiometer, specs and probe selection guide

        FP Stem-Microtensiometer, specs and probe selection guide(286 kB)

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        Accessories & Compatible Products

        Data loggers

        From small and compact to an extensive measuring network, Ecomatik offers complete system solutions for sensor data acquisition in any desired size:

        • IoP-Systems (e.g. IoP-M with wireless data transmission via LoRa or NB-IoT)
        • Maxi-Systems (e.g. Campbell data logger station)

        Note

        The output signal of the FloraPulse microtensiometers is an analog DC voltage (differential) or a digital output signal (SDI-12). The sensors are therefore compatible with many available data loggers. If you are unsure about the compatibility of an existing data logger, please feel free to contact us at any time.

        Contact

        You need a quotation, have questions about a product, or need extensive technical advice in the context of your project planning. Starting with an initial determination of your needs, through the detailed planning of the required measurement equipment and data transmission technology, up to professional implementation on site, we are at your disposal at any time with advice and action.

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        To our international customers: Please note, we ship worldwide! If we do not currently have a listed distributor in your country (a list can be found here) , please feel free to contact us directly.

        Assessment of your needs

        With your consideration and input, we determine which of our products best meet your needs. We are also happy to design fully-integrated measuring stations (plant, climate, soil sensors), including an independent power supply and mobile data transmission, depending on your requirements.

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        Are you already familiar with our products and know exactly what you need?

        Perfect, then just write us an email! In your order, please state the diameter of your measuring objects in addition to the required cable lengths.

        Your contact details and Assessment of your needs

        Like so many things, everything started with an idea ...

        In the case of the plant scientist and founder of ECOMATIK, Dr. Liu, it was the idea that modern measurement technology should enable crucial plant physiological parameters to be measured directly, precisely and with high temporal resolution on the plant itself. It was obvious to him that there is an information potential of immense value in the detailed understanding of immediate reactions of plants to their environment...