GrowControl RootSense Kit

Description

GrowControl RootSense Kit for data-led irrigation within the root zone

The GrowControl RootSense Kit adds precise substrate monitoring and additional irrigation-control functions to the GrowBase Pro WIFI Controller. Its sensor measures water content, pore-water electrical conductivity and temperature directly within the root zone. This provides growers with real measurements for assessing irrigation timing, drybacks and EC development. The system is particularly useful with frequently irrigated substrates such as coco and rockwool.

Measure three key values with one substrate sensor

The sensor measures volumetric water content, commonly abbreviated to VWC. This value represents the proportion of water within the measured volume of substrate, helping you see how quickly the growing medium dries between irrigation events. RootSense also measures pore-water electrical conductivity, or pwEC, together with substrate temperature. You can therefore monitor moisture, salt concentration and temperature development within the immediate root environment.

The system uses high-frequency dielectric measurement to determine VWC. According to the manufacturer, this allows the water content to be recorded largely independently of changing EC and salt concentrations within the substrate. The resulting data helps you evaluate irrigation intervals and dryback phases more consistently.

Choose timed or VWC-based irrigation

When connected to GrowBase Pro WiFi, RootSense supports both conventional timed irrigation schedules and irrigation triggered by the measured substrate moisture level. VWC-based control makes watering sequences easier to repeat and provides useful data for crop-steering strategies. These strategies use managed wet and dry periods to adapt irrigation to the plants’ current stage of development.

The RootSense Link includes one switched relay output for controlling a single irrigation zone. This output can operate a suitable valve or pump. Additional equipment for completing the installation is available among the irrigation systems and accessories.

Digital inputs for additional safety functions

Two digital inputs allow additional sensors to be incorporated into the system. A minimum-level sensor can, for example, monitor the reservoir and help protect a connected pump from running dry. Alternatively, one of the inputs can be used for leak detection. The USB port on the RootSense Link is provided for firmware updates.

The kit includes the RootSense Link and substrate sensor together with the required cables, a sensor holder and power supply. Further sensors, controllers and control accessories can be found in the GrowControl product range.

Technical details:

• Product type: Root-zone sensing and control expansion
• Compatibility: GrowControl GrowBase Pro WiFi
• Applications: Coco, rockwool and other growing substrates
• Measured values: Volumetric water content, pore-water electrical conductivity and substrate temperature
• Measurement abbreviations: VWC and pwEC
• VWC measurement method: High-frequency dielectric measurement
• Irrigation strategies: Timed and VWC-based
• Relay output: 1 switched output for one irrigation zone using a valve or pump
• Digital inputs: 2, for example for a minimum-level sensor and leak monitoring
• Interface: USB port for firmware updates
• Controller connection cable: 2 m
• Scope of delivery: RootSense Link, substrate sensor, sensor cable, sensor holder, 2 m controller connection cable and power supply

Sold and shipped by Growmart (Hamburg, Germany), which delivers across Europe with DHL. Prices are set by the vendor and you complete your purchase on their site.