Modular data logger with smart monitoring system for herbaceous roof ecosystem service evaluation

This project introduces the Modular Multichannel Data Logger (m-DAL), a versatile system tailored to assess herbaceous roof ecosystems' services. Unlike conventional and expensive data loggers, the m-DAL allows for concurrent measurements across multiple channels at a fraction of the cost, while enhancing adaptability and modularity. It is capable of gathering real-time ambient plant temperature and relative humidity data, enabling the investigation of leaf transpiration cooling through water supply manipulation in tropical climates. Utilizing open-source technology, it incorporates an Arduino Giga R1 WiFi microcontroller board interfaced with twelve channels, including type-K thermocouples with MAX6675 amplifiers and DHT22 sensors, with real-time monitoring via the Arduino IoT Cloud. Calibration is conducted using a two-point cross-calibration method with the Ambient Weather WH32B Thermometer-Barometer-Hygrometer for accuracy ranging from 96.15% to 99.72% for temperature sensors and 97.46% to 97.55% for humidity sensors. In field testing, it effectively demonstrates its capabilities in data collection, logging, real-time monitoring, environmental tracking, data storage, retrieval, validation, and cost effectiveness. Finally, the recorded data offers opportunities for further analysis and modeling of herbaceous transpiration cooling as an ecosystem service. Embrace the versatility of the m-DAL for ecological research and beyond.