HOBO MX2311 – Solar Radiation, Soil Moisture, EC, Temperature and Humidity Data Logger

By monitoring solar radiation, soil and climate conditions with a single system, the MX2311 provides a comprehensive picture of both the microclimate and root-zone conditions. This makes it particularly suitable for greenhouse applications, agricultural research, irrigation studies, crop monitoring and ecological and environmental research.

Using Bluetooth Low Energy, the logger can be easily configured and measurement data can be downloaded wirelessly using the free HOBOconnect app.

Monitor solar radiation, soil and climate simultaneously

Water availability, soil conductivity, temperature, humidity and incoming solar radiation all influence plant growth and water demand.

The HOBO MX2311 therefore combines multiple measurements in a single system:

• Global Solar Radiation (GSR)
• soil moisture / Volumetric Water Content (VWC)
• soil Electrical Conductivity (EC)
• soil temperature
• air temperature
• relative humidity
• Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD)
• dew point
• accumulated solar radiation
• Daily Light Integral (DLI) of solar radiation

This enables you to accurately analyse the relationship between solar radiation, climate and root-zone conditions.

Accurate global solar radiation measurements

The MX2311 uses the LI-COR LI-200R pyranometer to measure global solar radiation.

The sensor measures total solar irradiance across a spectral range of 400 to 1100 nm and has a measurement range of 0 to 1,280 W/m².

The LI-200R has a typical calibration uncertainty of ±3%, making it suitable for professional and scientific solar radiation measurements.

In addition to current solar radiation, accumulated solar radiation in MJ/m² and Daily Light Integral (DLI) of solar radiation in MJ/m²/day can be determined.

Insight into root-zone conditions

In addition to solar radiation, the MX2311 records important parameters within the root zone.

Volumetric Water Content (VWC) provides insight into the amount of water available in the soil or substrate. EC measurements show changes in electrical conductivity, providing valuable information about the concentration of dissolved salts.

Combining VWC, EC and soil temperature with climate measurements can help optimise irrigation strategies and accurately monitor changing root-zone conditions.

The soil sensor is suitable for both mineral soils and soilless growing media/substrates.

Temperature, humidity and VPD

Integrated sensors also measure air temperature and relative humidity.

Based on these measurements, Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and dew point can be calculated. In crop and climate research, VPD provides valuable insight into the relationship between temperature, humidity and plant evaporative demand.

Wireless data access with HOBOconnect

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to communicate directly with the MX2311 using the free HOBOconnect app.

The wireless range is approximately 30.5 metres (100 ft) line-of-sight under optimal conditions.

HOBOconnect allows you to:

• configure logging intervals;
• start and stop the logger;
• view current measurements;
• download stored data;
• configure threshold alerts;
• export measurement data for further analysis.

Using an MX Gateway and MX Data Plan, measurement data can also be uploaded to LI-COR Cloud for remote monitoring, analysis and data sharing.

Applications

The HOBO MX2311 is suitable for applications including:

• greenhouse monitoring and horticulture;
• agricultural research;
• crop and plant research;
• soil research;
• irrigation studies;
• soil moisture monitoring;
• soil conductivity research;
• solar radiation research;
• microclimate research;
• irrigation optimisation;
• ecological research;
• environmental monitoring.

Key benefits

Complete view of soil and microclimate
Measure solar radiation, soil moisture, EC, soil temperature, air temperature and relative humidity with one integrated system.

Research-grade solar radiation measurements
The LI-COR LI-200R pyranometer measures global solar radiation from 400 to 1100 nm with a typical calibration uncertainty of ±3%.

Insight into water and nutrients in the root zone
Combine VWC and EC measurements to monitor changes in water availability and dissolved salt concentrations.

Wireless data access
Configure and read the logger easily via Bluetooth using HOBOconnect.

Designed for demanding environments
The IP67/NEMA 6 logger enclosure is suitable for humid, wet and dusty environments.

Large memory capacity
Internal memory for up to 195,000 measurements.

Long battery life
Up to approximately 4 years at a 1-minute logging interval when Bluetooth Always On is disabled.

Mounting

For accurate solar radiation measurements, the LI-COR LI-200R should be correctly positioned and levelled. The appropriate mounting plate and levelling fixture are required. Additional mounting brackets are available for installation on poles or pipes.

Advice on soil, climate and solar radiation monitoring

Would you like to know whether the HOBO MX2311 is the right solution for your application? Pedak can help you select the right data logger and sensors for your measurement requirements.

By combining global solar radiation with soil moisture, EC, soil temperature, air temperature and relative humidity, the MX2311 provides a comprehensive solution for professional soil and microclimate monitoring.