BtM, a Low-cost Open-source Datalogger to Estimate the Water Content of Nonvascular Cryptogams

作者： María Leo*1, Angel Lareo*2, Carlos Garcia-Saura2, Joaquín Hortal3,4, Nagore G. Medina5 1Real Jardín Botánico (CSIC-RJB), 2Grupo de Neurocomputación Biológica, Dpto. de Ingeniería Informática, Escuela Politécnica Superior,Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 3Department of Biogeography and Global Change,Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), 4Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c),Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 5Department of Botany, Faculty of Science,University of South Bohemia

简介：

Overview

This article presents a cost-effective, open-source datalogger designed to measure the conductance of nonvascular cryptogams along with environmental conditions. The datalogger facilitates research in cryptogamic ecology by enabling in situ measurements of hydration periods and organism activity.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology

Background

• Nonvascular cryptogams play a vital role in ecosystem functions, including nitrogen fixation.
• Understanding their hydration and activity in relation to environmental conditions is crucial for ecological studies.
• Existing methods for measuring these parameters can be complex and costly.
• This study introduces a simpler alternative for researchers.

Purpose of Study

• To develop a low-cost, easy-to-assemble datalogger for measuring cryptogam conductance.
• To provide a method for researchers to monitor environmental impacts on nonvascular plants.
• To facilitate long-term ecological studies across various ecosystems.

Methods Used

• Design and assembly instructions for the datalogger are provided.
• Calibration protocols for measuring conductance are detailed.
• Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity are monitored.
• Data collection is performed using an open-source logging software.

Main Results

• The datalogger successfully measures the conductance of moss and lichen samples.
• Calibration tests reveal variability in conductance among different species.
• The device allows for the establishment of monitoring networks in various ecosystems.
• Results indicate the potential for broader applications in biogeography and ecophysiology.

Conclusions

• This open-source datalogger overcomes technical barriers for researchers.
• It enables effective monitoring of cryptogams in diverse environments.
• The method contributes to understanding ecological dynamics and species success.

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