How to get reliable weather data

One degree difference in temperature, one percent more moisture at leaf level or a kilometer higher wind speed per hour. Small differences at first sight, which can make all the difference for you as a grower. The difference between sowing or not sowing, fertilising, spraying or harvesting. With Sencrop's weather stations you can accurately visualize the precise weather conditions on your plot. At least if they are in the right place. You can read here what you should pay attention to.

Accurate, ultra-local weather measurements at plot level are of great importance for optimal cultivation. These weather data are decisive for warnings for, for example, frost from the Sencrop weather app or for actions from the cultivation management package, such as spraying. The location of the weather station in a field can have a major influence on the measurement results. This was recently shown in a practical experience at a top fruit company.

Significant temperature differences even within the plot
In a plot there are two weather stations, 50 meters apart. The Leafcrop leaf wet sensor records data on humidity, temperature, humidity, wet bulb temperature and dew point. The Raincrop, which is connected to the same measuring station, records the temperature, humidity, wet bulb temperature and dew point, as well as the cumulative precipitation. The measurement data shows a temperature difference of two degrees between the two weather stations. Especially in windless periods, during frost. To investigate whether the measurement data from both stations are representative for the field, the fruit grower placed a second, identical weather station next to each weather station and kept track of the double weather data at both positions for fifteen days. The conclusion? The measurement data of both stations at position A are exactly the same, as are the stations at position B, 50 meters away. The location of the weather stations in the plot thus determines the measured temperature difference. In this case, position A is two meters lower than position B. Due to the difference in height, and therefore in air circulation, the temperature differs by two degrees. This practical experience shows how great the weather differences can be within a plot. Correct positioning of the weather stations is therefore of great importance for determining the right cultivation interventions at the right time.

Tips for the correct setup of the weather station When installing the weather stations, it is important to determine in advance for which applications and decisions you want to use the data. Place your weather station, or its various components, either in a place that is representative of the average of the plot, or in a place that is sensitive or where the weather conditions are 'extreme' so that you can take the necessary cultivation measures in time. If your cultivation management system gives an alert for, for example, the risk of phytophthora if the humidity has been above 90% for more than four hours, while the temperature was between 15 and 25 °C in combination with wet leaves or precipitation, then you want to be on time. to be able to spray a measurement at the correct height in the crop and at a position that is representative of the field. To get reliable weather data that fits the entire field, you can pay attention to these points:

Online rain gauge, Raincrop:

• Place the Raincrop at the edge of the plot, not too close to (fruit) trees or high crops, so that you actually collect all the rain.
• Do not place the Raincrop near buildings, such as a house or shed, tall trees, power pylons or windmills. The minimum distance is at least four times the height of the obstacle.
• Place the Raincrop away from surfaces or installations that can influence the temperature measurement, such as paved surfaces.
• Place the Raincrop far from water surfaces, forests or shrubs that could affect the humidity reading.

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Online anemometer, Windcrop:

• Do not place the Windcrop near buildings, such as a house or shed. The minimum distance is at least ten times the height of the obstacle.

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Leaf wet sensor, Leafcrop:

• Place the Leafcrop Leaf Wet Sensor fully in the leaf of the crop or, for fruit trees, in the top third of the tree. The sensor preferably hangs at an angle of 20°, in order to approximate the position of the blade as closely as possible.
• Place the Leafcrop sensors for temperature and relative humidity, the thermometer and the hygrometer where you want to measure these values ​​(close to the ground, full in the crop, close to the buds).

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Help with the ideal location for your online weather stations
The Sencrop team is of course ready to determine the correct position of your weather stations. take it easy get in touch for tailor-made advice via our customer service.