Tracking microhabitat temperature variation with iButton data loggers.

Susan Fawcett,Abdullah Kahraman,Manny Dacosta‐Calheiros,Anton A Reznicek,Rachel Rosenberg,Eric J B Von Wettberg,Seeta Sistla

doi:10.1002/aps3.1237

Abstract

Premise of the StudyFine‐scale variation in temperature and soil moisture contribute to microhabitats across the landscape, affecting plant phenology, distribution, and fitness. The recent availability of compact and inexpensive temperature and humidity data loggers such as iButtons has facilitated research on microclimates.Methods and ResultsHere, we highlight the use of iButtons in three distinct settings: comparisons of empirical data to modeled climate data for rare rock ferns in the genus Asplenium in eastern North America; generation of fine‐scale data to predict flowering time and vernalization responsiveness of crop wild relatives of chickpea from southeastern Anatolia; and measurements of extreme thermal variation of solar array installations in Vermont.DiscussionWe highlight a range of challenges with iButtons, including serious limitations of the Hygrochron function that affect their utility for measuring soil moisture, and methods for protecting them from the elements and from human interference. Finally, we provide MATLAB code to facilitate the processing of raw iButton data.

Highlights

IntroductionRachel Rosenberg, and Eric J.B. von Wettberg
Here, we highlight the use of iButtons in three distinct settings: comparisons of empirical data to modeled climate data for rare rock ferns in the genus Asplenium in eastern North America; generation of fine-scale data to predict flowering time and vernalization responsiveness of crop wild relatives of chickpea from southeastern Anatolia; and measurements of extreme thermal variation of solar array installations in Vermont
The second case examines the effect of microclimate on growth conditions to predict flowering time and vernalization responsiveness in two crop wild relatives, which provide a basis for parameterizing phenological models

Summary

Introduction

Rachel Rosenberg, and Eric J.B. von Wettberg. Susan Fawcett , Seeta Sistla, Manny Dacosta-Calheiros, Abdullah Kahraman, Anton A. PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Fine-scale variation in temperature and soil moisture contribute to microhabitats across the landscape, affecting plant phenology, distribution, and fitness. The recent availability of compact and inexpensive temperature and humidity data loggers such as iButtons has facilitated research on microclimates

Results

Discussion

Conclusion