Syngenta introducing microclimate sensor

Microclimates will soon be managed with mega focus.

Syngenta is launching the Aero GCX microclimate sensor, part of an above-ground sensor network that enhances how property managers collect and analyze data. Aero GCX is designed to provide precise, property-specific climate insights in real time, accessible through the GreenCast Connect platform, equipping decision-makers with valuable metrics to improve and streamline their turf strategy.

The sensor will be introduced at the GCSAA Conference & Trade booth #2773 in Orlando. It will be available for select testing by this summer and is expected to be available for purchase by October.

The Aero GCX microclimate sensor is solar powered and collects three key measurements:

• Ambient temperature: ranges from -40° to 257° F (-40° to 125° C)
• Atmospheric pressure: accuracy to ±0.5 hPa
• Humidity: 0 percent to 100 percent RH with accuracy to less than 2 percent

“Aero GCX represents a significant advancement in turf management technology,” Syngenta Digital Platforms North American head Steve Dorer said. “By providing location-specific microclimate data, turf professionals can plan actions based on automated microclimate reports in addition to regional weather forecasts.”

Key features and benefits include:

• Comprehensive above-ground environmental monitoring
• Summaries of trends across the property
• Real-time data transmission through wireless cellular communication
• User-friendly cloud-based dashboard accessible through mobile or desktop — with the last month of data available on mobile and all historical data available on desktop
• Easy installation, designed to be complete in 15 minutes or less, with compact dimensions — 5.9 inches tall by 3.74 inches wide by 2.3 inches deep
• Seamless integration with the Spiio GCX wireless soil sensor for below-ground insights

Aero GCX data is designed to monitor microclimates of challenging growing locations across a property; forecast disease where ambient temperature and humidity are factors affecting establishment; forecast frost based on indicator locations; provide increased precision in tracking evapotranspiration; and provide location-based humidity information to assist in evaluating leaf wetness.