Measurement & Experimental Science
Sensor Placement & Microclimates
A sensor reports conditions at its own location. Radiation, airflow, height, walls, lights, wet surfaces, and canopy density can make that location unrepresentative.
Key concepts
- Canopy microclimates differ from room averages
- Radiant heating can influence exposed sensors
- Leaf temperature can differ from air temperature
- One sensor cannot reveal spatial variation
What to measure or observe
- Place sensors near representative canopy conditions
- Shield temperature/RH sensors from inappropriate radiant exposure when required
- Compare several locations periodically
- Document sensor height and placement
Common mistakes
- Mounting a sensor beside a humidifier or heater
- Using wall temperature as canopy air temperature
- Moving sensors without recording the change
Visuals this lesson still needs
- Good-versus-bad sensor placement
- Canopy microclimate map
- Radiant heating concept
- Multi-sensor comparison