Scientific Area
Abstract Detail
Nº613/1703 - A new autonomous and low-cost electronic system based on Arduino for measuring the microclimatic conditions of lichens and their h
Format: ORAL
Authors
Francisco Gasulla1, Miguel Blzquez2, Sergio Prez-Ortega2.
Affiliations
1 Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Externo, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
2 Department of Mycology, Real Jardín Botánico (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
Abstract
The influence of climate on lichen physiology is directly shaped by its poikilohydric nature. While lichens exhibit high tolerance to extreme environmental conditions when dry, their sensitivity significantly increases when hydrated. Consequently, the primary impacts of climate on lichen physiology are confined to periods when the thallus is wet and actively metabolizing.
Numerous ecophysiological studies on lichens have tackled the challenge of distinguishing microclimatic conditions during periods of thallus activity or inactivity, often employing measurements of thallus electrical conductivity. In response to this challenge, we have developed an autonomous and low-cost electronic system designed to measure the microclimatic conditions of lichen habitats and those of the thallus itself. Additionally, the device utilizes electrical resistance measurements to estimate the thallus hydration level.
Built on the open-source Arduino platform and complemented by readily available and affordable hardware components, the system is powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are recharged with solar energy, ensuring indefinite operation. Data is stored on an SD card and concurrently transmitted to a cloud server through the GSM network.
The devices were tested with thalli of Ramalina farinacea growing in a mixed oak forest (Guadalajara, Spain). Over the course of a year, continuous data collection revealed that irradiance and temperature levels were lower when the lichens were in a hydrated state than when they were dry. Notably, the environmental conditions during the active phases of the thalli fell within the tolerance limits previously established for R. farinacea photobionts.
In summary, this system enables the extended measurement of environmental conditions for both physiologically active and inactive lichens. This data is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of lichen communities.