International Journal of Electronic Devices and Networking
2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B
Development of a low-cost sensor node for monitoring biochar-supplemented substrates in Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation
Author(s): Lukas Schneider, Maria Hoffmann and Jonas Keller
Abstract: The rising global demand for sustainable agricultural inputs and energy-efficient food production systems has intensified interest in biochar-amended substrates for mushroom cultivation. Biochar, produced through pyrolysis of organic residues, enhances substrate porosity, nutrient retention, and microbial dynamics, making it increasingly relevant for Pleurotus ostreatus production systems. Despite its agronomic value, monitoring the physicochemical changes within biochar-supplemented substrates remains limited due to the absence of low-cost, real-time sensing tools. Most growers rely on manual assessments of temperature, moisture, and CO₂ flux parameters essential for fungal colonization and fruiting performance yet these approaches are imprecise, labour-intensive, and unable to track dynamic substrate fluctuations. This research addresses this critical gap by developing an affordable sensor node capable of continuously measuring substrate moisture, temperature, and ambient environmental conditions. Integrating microcontroller-based sensing with wireless data transmission, the prototype aims to increase monitoring accuracy while reducing the cost barriers associated with commercial monitoring systems. The system was evaluated under controlled Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation using varying levels of biochar amendments. Findings demonstrate that the sensor node provides stable, responsive measurements aligned with expected biological patterns in fungal substrate metabolism. This research contributes a methodological advancement that supports precision mushroom farming, enabling small- and medium-scale growers to optimize substrate supplementation strategies and improve yield consistency.
DOI: 10.22271/27084477.2025.v6.i2b.87
Pages: 89-93 | Views: 89 | Downloads: 40
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How to cite this article:
Lukas Schneider, Maria Hoffmann, Jonas Keller. Development of a low-cost sensor node for monitoring biochar-supplemented substrates in Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation. Int J Electron Devices Networking 2025;6(2):89-93. DOI: 10.22271/27084477.2025.v6.i2b.87
