Dr. Pedro Inácio is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at CISCA – University of Algarve. Dr. Inácio holds a PhD in Electronic Engineer and Telecommunications. He is an expert in electrical impedance, noise, and in-vitro cell proportions. Currently, he is developing innovative work on ultra-low-cost RCL meters and self-adhesive sensors for physical sensing on plant leaves.

Abstract

“Leaf-Integrated Capacitive Sensors: Revolutionizing Plant Physiology Monitoring with Self-Adhesive Electrodes and Low-Cost RCL Meters”

The seamless integration of sensor technology with plant physiology monitoring is key to advancing precision agriculture and ecological research. This study presents an innovative capacitive sensing system that combines self-adhesive electrodes with ultra-low-cost RCL meters, providing a non-invasive, scalable, and cost-effective solution for real-time monitoring of plant hydration and electrophysiological responses. Utilizing lightweight, self-adhering electrodes fabricated from materials such as PEDOT:PSS, graphite, silver, and gold, this approach overcomes the limitations of traditional rigid electrode systems that rely on invasive mechanical mounts.

The sensors are directly deposited onto plant leaves, ensuring robust adhesion without visible damage and enabling precise detection of hydration dynamics, temperature, and relative humidity under controlled environmental conditions. Experimental validation on Ocimum basilicum (basil) demonstrated the system’s ability to capture subtle physiological processes such as stomatal regulation and ion transport, which are crucial for understanding plant responses to stress. The use of ultra-low-cost RCL meters ensures accessibility, opening doors for widespread adoption in both research and agricultural applications. This work bridges the gap between material science and plant biology, offering a transformative tool for monitoring plant health and optimizing agricultural productivity.