EcoLab 500

The EcoLab 500 is a measuring system to study comprehensively ecosystem functions in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. With the EcoLab 500, biological chemical and physical processes within the individual system components as well as the interactions between the system components can be observed and investigated under defined boundary conditions.
The EcoLab 500 consists of two main components that build vertically on one another – Atmosphere Unit and Soil Unit. Depending on the application, all system components can be equipped with respective sensors for monitoring important system parameters and processes.
The Soil Unit of the EcoLab 500 is used to investigate the biological, chemical and physical processes in the soil, as well as their interactions with the flora and fauna of the soil. The Atmosphere Unit aboveground serves as the aboveground habitat of the flora and fauna. Several equipment is used for the regulation of the atmospheric boundary conditions. The atmospheric boundary conditions and parameters can be controlled and monitored by the use of systems for lighting, irrigation, or ventilation, as well as measuring devices for recording of temperature, humidity and gases. In order to be able to set up the EcoLab 500 the room requires a minimum size 1.500 x 1.500 x 3.100 mm (l x w x h). Other sensors, actuators, air conditioning and dimensions are optional.
 

Combination of field and laboratory studies

The EcoLab 500 (Ø 500 mm) is matched to the Ready-To-Go Lysimeter (Ø 500 mm). A monolith can be used in the Ready-To-Go Lysimeter under field conditions and then for laboratory investigations.

At a glance:

• Soil Unit with soil sensors (temperature, tension, water content), suction cups or suction plates, soil cooling system and weighing system

• Atmosphere Unit with air sensors (temperature, humidity), fans and irrigation system

• Sun simulator with high-performance LED lighting, separately dimmable wavelengths (blue, red, white), cycle simulations of day light spectrum possible

• Control Unit with power supply for the sensors and actuators as well as a PLC for the digital connection of all sensors and actuators and for the implementation of all control processes and for data recording

Advantages

• Study complex interaction between pedosphere, flora, fauna and atmosphere

• A range of optional accessories allows adaption to a wide range of research questions

• Compact: fits in an area of 1.5 x 1.5 meters

• Easy to set up: can be set up by hand by two persons only