Description
The PiCUS Tension sensors can be installed directly when planting young trees, or subsequently on existing trees that are particularly at risk or worthy of preservation. If desired, the sensor elements can be installed at three different depths or at different positions around the tree. The central electronics can be installed above ground, for example on the stake of a young tree, or buried.
The measurement data is uploaded to the cloud storage every day and thus accessible immediately. In that way tree owners and managers can permanently keep an eye on the water availability of their plants. Drought is recognised before damage occurs and the monitoring allows to plan irrigation more efficient than ever before. As it is planned based on the actual needs, resources like labour, time and not least water are saved.
Availability
The PiCUS Environmental Cloud saves all data send by the connected sensors or entered through the app. It makes all data available for access at any time so that the results may be reviewed using the App on the way or the Web GIS service on the computer.
Hardware
One Tension unit consists of a central electronic module and 2-4 attached sensor elements. The number of sensor elements may be chosen by the user according to the application.
Common comparative database (optional)
In case of the Tension the PiCUS Environmental Cloud provides an additional service, it works as a platform to compare data. Tree owners can use the database to find results of similar trees or similar sites as references for their own analyses and planning.Only data about the tree and its surrounding conditions are visible, no information about the user or the position of the sensor. Participation in the comparative database is not mandatory but voluntary.
Sustainability
Tension is designed to run for about 3 years continuously. The electronic module was intentionally constructed in a way that makes it reusable. The sensor elements are likely not to be reused after a three-year run time, also the battery will need to be replaced as it is not rechargeable. The electronic module may be equipped after three years with new sensor elements, a fresh battery and extended cloud service and can than be deployed for another run time.