Delta-T Devices Ltd. SS1 SunScan Plant Crown Analyzer
- Measures captured and transmitted PAR in crowns
- Direct Leaf Area (LAI) Index
- Usable in cloudy and clear conditions
- Reliable, research-grade crown analyzer
- Ideal for phenotypic studies
The SunScan plant canopy analyzer system uses field measurements of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in crops to provide valuable information about Leaf Area Area (LAI) and biomass production.
The SunScan Crop Canopy Analyzer is optimized for measuring PAR in small, regular canopies, such as most agricultural crops. The 1 m probe allows for rapid spatial averaging over large areas and PAR mapping of unevenly growing crops, such as vineyards and orchards. With the unique BF5 reference PAR solar sensor, the SunScan Crop Canopy Analyzer can be used in a wide range of weather conditions.
Ease of use
The SunScan Plant Crown Analyzer probe consists of 64 PAR sensors mounted on a 1 m long probe. Each time a measurement is taken, all sensors are scanned and the measurements are sent to the RPDA3 handheld computer via the RS232 interface. The reading shows the average PAR level from the probe, but all 64 individual measurements can be stored for a detailed PAR map or linear transect. Automatic logging can be selected to obtain measurements at a fixed location over a period of time. When connected to a data logger, the probe can operate as a linear quantum sensor (also called a linear quantum sensor).
Rugged handheld computer
The RPDA3 is an extremely rugged handheld computer that collects and analyzes measurements from the SunScan probe. Uncorrupted measurements and derived functions such as LAI can be displayed, reviewed and stored in the field using SunData software; groups of measurements can be averaged if necessary. Measurements are stored in internal memory, which holds over 1 million measurements, or on widely available micro SD cards, which provide removable data storage. The collected data is easily transferred to a computer.
Unique over-the-crown reference sensor
A unique feature of the SunScan is the optional reference sensor integrated into the design to measure both direct and diffuse light above the canopy at the same time. The BF5 Sunshine Sensor provides these above-the-canopy reference measurements quickly and conveniently. The BF5 uses a photodiode array and a unique shadow pattern to calculate whether the sun is shining and measure the direct and diffuse portion of the sunlight. This completely avoids the inconvenience of using conventional diffuse light sensors and the need for constant adjustments to the shade ring.
Wireless connection option
Additionally, a wireless connection can be used between the SunScan probe and the BF5 reference sensor, eliminating long connecting cables. The connection operates on the 434 MHz licensed frequency and can transmit up to 250 m line of sight or 100 m to 200 m in vegetation.
SunScan comparison with Li-Cor LAI-2000
A 2009 article* in the journal Crop Science compared the use of the SunScan canopy analyzer and the LAI-2000 systems to estimate LAI in tall rice grown in Benin. The authors found that the SunScan canopy analyzer provided highly significant LAI measurements up to 4 m².m-2 compared to the control (slope of the regression line = 1.00, R² = 0.96), and concluded that the SunScan can be used to estimate LAI in different tall rice cultivars with different canopy types. * Sone, C., K. Saito, and K. Futakuchi. 2009. Comparison of different methods for estimating leaf area with breeding methods for tall rice. Crop Sci. 49:1438-1443.
Plant Crown Analyzers – Delta-T device group
More information: on the manufacturer's website or send us an inquiry!
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