Desenvolvimento do sistema embarcado e-Quantum 85n para obtenção automatizada do Índice de Área Foliar

Abstract

The Leaf Area Index (INA) is a valuable variable, assisting in the understanding of soil-plant-atmosphere interactions, being used for example in the modeling of energy, water and carbon exchanges between the surface and atmosphere in natural or anthropized ecosystems. In view of the need for equipment to assist in obtaining the IAF, this work aimed to develop the embedded e-Quantum 85n system to obtain automated IAF, and also evaluated the measurements obtained in relation to commercial equipment LP-80. As a starting point in the development was used the quantum 85, a system previously developed by the research group Biosphere-Atmosphere Interaction, this first prototype demonstrated the opportunity to develop a tool with more features and functionalities optimizing its use. The new system developed has GPS module to obtain geographical position, date and time, a magnetometer module that allows the determination of the geographic north pole, 3.2" touch tft LCD screen, 85 RGB LEDs used as sensor elements, wireless communication with signal amplification, rechargeable internal batteries, storage of measurements on SD card, 16-bit digital analog converter and bluetooth. The comparison between the measurements of quantum and 85n in relation to the commercial model LP-80 resulted in an average absolute error (MAE) of 0,20, an average quadratic error (RMSE) of 0,27 and a Willmott coefficient (d = 0,99) indicating a high correspondence between the IAF values. In view of the scientific and commercial potential of this work, its conclusion has led to the filing of its patent with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), serving as an incentive for more researchers to invest in the development of instrumentation.