Achieve Optimal Plant Growth: How to Measure Rockwool Moisture Content with a Sensor and Smartphone

Rockwool is a popular growing medium for hydroponics and greenhouse gardens. While it offers excellent aeration and drainage, maintaining optimal moisture levels is crucial for healthy plant growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will stunt growth and yield.

This article outlines a simple and convenient method for measuring rockwool moisture content using a sensor, handheld reader, and mobile app. This system, comprised of the APAS T1 sensor, ISHTAR 1P-BLE reader, and SHUSHAN Mobile app, provides real-time data to ensure your plants receive the perfect amount of water. As an alternative to the ISHTAR 1P-BLE, you can use the SUMERIT 2P-BLED control and monitoring node, which will allow for reading two sensors and automatic irrigation scheduling.


Benefits of Using a Sensor-Based System:

  • Accuracy: Eliminate guesswork!  Sensors provide precise moisture readings, allowing you to make informed watering decisions.

  • Convenience: The Shushan Mobile app displays data wirelessly on your smartphone for easy monitoring.

  • Logging and Data Tracking: Log moisture levels on your phone and track over time to identify trends and optimize your watering schedule.

  • Scalability: This system can be used with multiple sensors for monitoring a large number of plants or growing beds.


Here's what you'll need:

  • APAS T1 Sensor: This sensor directly inserts into your rockwool and measures its dielectric permittivity, which directly correlates to moisture content.

  • ISHTAR 1P-BLE Reader or SUMERIT 2P-BLED: This device reads the APAS T1 sensor and transmits data to your smartphone.

  • SHUSHAN Mobile App: This user-friendly app displays real-time moisture readings from the sensor and allows you to set watering thresholds for alerts.







Steps for Measuring Rockwool Moisture:

  1. Download the SHUSHAN Mobile App:  Available for Android devices, the app will guide you through setup and data visualization.

  2. Connect the ISHTAR 1P-BLE Reader or SUMERIT 2P-BLED controller:  Follow the app's instructions to pair the reader with your smartphone through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology.

  3. Insert the APAS T1 Sensor:  Carefully push the sensor into your rockwool, ensuring good contact with the growing medium.

  4. Monitor Moisture Levels:  Open the SHUSHAN Mobile app to view real-time moisture readings from the sensor. The app will translate the sensor data into a percentage.


Additional Tips:

  • Calibrate the Sensor:  For optimal accuracy, the APAS T1 sensor can be further calibrated using instructions provided in the user manual.

  • Set Watering Thresholds:  Within the SHUSHAN Mobile app, you can set up dry and wet thresholds, ensuring your plants never dry out or become waterlogged.

  • Consider Plant Type:  Different plants have varying moisture requirements. Research your specific plants to determine the ideal moisture range for optimal growth.


Conclusion:

By utilizing this sensor-based system, you can achieve precise control over your rockwool moisture levels. With real-time data at your fingertips, you can adjust your watering schedule to promote healthy plant growth and maximize your harvests.

Ready to take the guesswork out of watering your hydroponic or greenhouse plants? Visit EnviTronics Lab to learn more about the APAS T1 Sensor, ISHTAR 1P-BLE Reader, and SHUSHAN Mobile App, and unlock the power of data-driven growing!

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