Leaf wetness is a meteorological parameter that describes the amount of
dew and
precipitation left on surfaces. It is used for monitoring leaf moisture for
agricultural purposes, such as
fungus and
disease control, for control of
irrigation systems, and for detection of
fog and
dew conditions, and early detection of
rainfall.[1]
Leaf wetness may be measured by various means:[2][3]
By change in
electrical resistance between two metal conductors in an alternate finger[4] or double spiral[5] configuration on a flat surface, either flat or cylindrical.[6] The conductors are usually
gold plated for corrosion resistance. An issue with this method is that measurements depend on droplets being large enough to bridge the gap between the conductors. A surface coating of for instance hygroscopic
latex paint may be applied for more consistent results.[7][8][9] Resistance measurement is often by
alternating current excitation.[10]
By measuring the change in the
dielectric constant of the surface of a sensor, thus detecting the presence of water or ice on the sensor's surface.[11]
A sensor with
hygroscopic properties where a change in sensor length or weight can be measured mechanically.
Leaf wetness is a meteorological parameter that describes the amount of
dew and
precipitation left on surfaces. It is used for monitoring leaf moisture for
agricultural purposes, such as
fungus and
disease control, for control of
irrigation systems, and for detection of
fog and
dew conditions, and early detection of
rainfall.[1]
Leaf wetness may be measured by various means:[2][3]
By change in
electrical resistance between two metal conductors in an alternate finger[4] or double spiral[5] configuration on a flat surface, either flat or cylindrical.[6] The conductors are usually
gold plated for corrosion resistance. An issue with this method is that measurements depend on droplets being large enough to bridge the gap between the conductors. A surface coating of for instance hygroscopic
latex paint may be applied for more consistent results.[7][8][9] Resistance measurement is often by
alternating current excitation.[10]
By measuring the change in the
dielectric constant of the surface of a sensor, thus detecting the presence of water or ice on the sensor's surface.[11]
A sensor with
hygroscopic properties where a change in sensor length or weight can be measured mechanically.