Sap Flow Data show Grapevines withstand extreme Heat

Grapevines can tolerate extreme heatwaves when soil moisture is maintained through irrigation. This was demonstrated in a study conducted in the Riverina region (NSW, Australia), where phytomonitoring stations equipped with sap flow sensors, dendrometers, as well as temperature and humidity sensors were installed on various grapevine varieties. Despite temperatures exceeding 40 °C, sap flow remained stable as the vines were able to absorb sufficient water.

Sap flow is a commonly used indicator of plant health, as a decrease in sap flow often indicates stress. In this study, sap flow in the vines remained positively correlated with increasing temperatures. Such measurements are essential for better understanding the effects of heatwaves on crops and for developing targeted irrigation strategies. These findings highlight the importance of irrigation management during heatwaves, particularly in viticulture.

Read full article

Devices for grapevines and irrigation control: DL-ISF, DL-ZN,
DL-LWS, DL-ILT, DL-TRS12, DL-TRS21

Impact of Traffic on Noise and Particulate Matter

The "Modus Sain" research project, conducted by the School of Engineering and Architecture in Freiburg (Switzerland), investigated the impact of traffic on noise and particulate matter. Using sensors installed at fixed locations and on electric buses, data on air quality, traffic, and noise levels were collected.

Sensors and Measurement Methods:

• At twelve fixed locations throughout the city of Freiburg, sensors for noise and particulate matter were installed.

• Additionally, three particulate matter sensors were mounted on electric buses, allowing the buses to function as mobile monitoring stations. This approach enabled spatially flexible and comprehensive air quality monitoring.

• This combination of stationary and mobile sensors provided high measurement accuracy and allowed for data comparison between fixed and moving points.

Results:

• Traffic volume and particulate matter levels correlate. Particulate matter values more strongly reacted when vehicles with poor filters were involved. Meteorological conditions had a significant impact on particulate matter levels.

• There was a clear correlation between traffic and noise: more traffic led to more noise. Speed reductions (such as lowering the speed limit to 30 km/h) significantly reduced noise pollution.

The project is expected to be expanded in the future to include additional parameters such as temperature and humidity, alongside noise and particulate matter measurements.

Read full article

Devices for urban air quality and climate monitoring:
DL-PM, DL-SHT35, DL-ATM22,
DL-ATM41G2, DL-TBRG, DL-BLG

Environmental Sensors for Urban Development

The city of Pforzheim is launching a LoRaWAN-based climate data measurement network to address the impacts of climate change, such as heat, drought, and heavy rainfall. Since 2024, the city has installed initial environmental sensors, including the DL-ITST-002 | Infrared Thermometer / Surface Temperature Sensor for LoRaWAN from Decentlab, which provides precise surface temperature data. These measurements will serve as the foundation for climate adaptation measures and support urban development. A key issue in Pforzheim is heatwaves and flooding, caused by sealed surfaces and an overburdened drainage system.

Additionally, the "sponge city" concept is being tested at Pfälzer Platz, where a cistern stores rainwater and an intelligent system delivers it to plants. This approach aims to mitigate heat islands and heavy rainfall. The city plans to analyze the results using the sensors and make the data available to residents via an online platform.

Read full article

Flood Risk on the Rise

A recent study by the Wegener Center at the University of Graz explores how climate change is influencing "cut-off lows" (COLs) — upper-level low-pressure systems that become detached from the jet stream. These systems can linger over the same area for days, often bringing persistent heavy rainfall and increasing the risk of flooding.

By analyzing 18 climate models, researchers found that COLs are likely to shift further north and occur more often in spring rather than just in summer or fall. Regions like Canada, Northern Europe, Siberia, and China may experience more frequent and intense spring rainfall events.

The study underscores the need for improved flood protection measures such as river restoration and early warning systems to help reduce the impacts of these extreme weather patterns.

Read full article

Devices for flood monitoring: DL-MBX, DL-PR26, DL-LID

Trees absorb more CO₂ than previously thought

A new study from the University of Southern California reveals that urban trees absorb significantly more CO₂ than previously thought. In Los Angeles, researchers monitored atmospheric CO₂ levels over an 18-month period using a dense network of sensors. The findings: during daylight hours, trees absorbed an average of 60 percent of CO₂ emissions — a surprisingly high number, especially in a part of the city not known for its greenery.

Measurements were taken along the city’s prevailing wind direction, with CO₂ levels clearly declining as the air moved through — a strong indicator of the trees’ carbon absorption capabilities. Lead researcher Will Berelson notes that these insights could help other cities more effectively track emissions and strategically plan urban greening initiatives.

Despite the promising results, Berelson cautions: relying solely on urban trees is not enough — emissions must still be significantly reduced.

Read full study

Devices for tree monitoring and optimal irrigation to maximize cooling effect and low operational costs: DL-SMTP, DL-TRS12, DL-SHT35, DL-ATM41G2

China’s Air Quality reveals unexpected Climate Effects

In recent years, China has significantly reduced air pollution, particularly by cutting sulfur dioxide emissions from coal power plants. This has led to major improvements in air quality and saved millions of lives. However, there’s an unexpected downside: sulfur dioxide contributes to the formation of aerosols that reflect sunlight and temporarily cool the climate. When this “shield” is removed, the full warming effect of greenhouse gases becomes more visible—a process known as "unmasking." Since 2014, average temperatures in China have risen by about 0.7 °C, contributing to more intense heatwaves.

Developments like these highlight just how critical accurate environmental monitoring is for understanding the complex relationship between air quality and climate change. 

Read full article

Devices for air quality monitoring: DL-PM, DL-LP8P

Groundwater and Sea-Level Rise: Impacts and Considerations

A new study, "Empirical models of shallow groundwater and multi-hazard flood forecasts as sea-levels rise", by Cox et al. (2025), published in Earth's Future, examines the impact of rising groundwater levels due to sea-level rise (SLR) on coastal cities, with Dunedin, New Zealand, as a case study.

Measurements & Modeling
The study integrates data from monitoring stations and geospatial models to analyze groundwater levels and their responses to tides and rainfall. The models project how these levels will change under different SLR scenarios, predicting areas at risk of flooding from groundwater and coastal inundation.

Challenges
Assessing the risks is difficult because the effects occur gradually, and the thresholds for damage vary. Furthermore, uncertainties arise from assumptions about soil structure and water flow.

Conclusion
The study shows that rising groundwater is an often underestimated threat that will intensify with sea-level rise. Particularly problematic is that groundwater flooding cannot be stopped by topographic barriers and can affect areas far inland.

A key takeaway is that coastal regions must be prepared not only for direct sea flooding but also for "flooding from below." Long-term monitoring programs and adaptive urban planning are crucial to detect damage early and develop countermeasures.

Read full study

Devices for waterlevel & groundwater monitoring: DL-MBX, DL-PR26, DL-PR36, DL-PR36CTD, DL-CTD10B

The Zero Pollution Dashboard

A new dashboard shows the progress in EU regions – Discover the impressive Zero Pollution Dashboard, which provides a comprehensive overview of environmental pollution indicators across EU regions. It's a fascinating opportunity to find out how clean your region is and how local efforts to reduce air, water, and soil pollution are progressing. For example, you can discover which areas in Europe are the cleanest in terms of air quality or how polluted the soil and groundwater are in different regions.

In recent years, European regions have heavily invested in environmental protection, utilizing EU funding to modernize water and wastewater infrastructure, promote sustainable mobility, and tackle air pollution. These measures not only contribute to improving the environment but also promote citizens' health, protect biodiversity, and enhance overall well-being.

Discover Dashboard

Device for air pollution monitoring: DL-PM, Realtime Demo

Global Solutions to Combat Urban Heat Islands

The article discusses the growing issue of urban heat islands (UHI), exacerbated by climate change, and how cities are managing the rising temperatures that pose significant risks to public health, infrastructure, and the economy.

Here are some examples of city-specific solutions:

Paris: Planting trees, transforming zinc rooftops into green roofs, and installing cooling drinking fountains to reduce local temperatures during heatwaves.

Phoenix: Implementing cool pavements that reflect sunlight, lowering temperatures by up to 6.6°C to reduce the intensity of heatwaves in the desert city.

Barcelona & Buenos Aires: Creating climate shelters where people can seek cooler spaces during heatwaves, providing relief in urban areas with limited green spaces.

London: Developing green corridors in the City of London, lowering air temperatures by 3-8°C during heatwaves by creating cooler walkways with plants and trees.

Cities worldwide are adopting various approaches to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Environmental monitoring is more crucial than ever to track temperature differences, implement targeted measures, and continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the solutions in place.

Read full article

Devices for tree monitoring and optimal irrigation to maximize cooling effect and low operational costs: DL-SMTP, DL-ZN, DL-SHT35, DL-ATM41G2

Peatland Restauration Research

Researchers in Finland are studying how peatland restoration affects water balance, greenhouse gas emissions, and vegetation. The goal is to raise water levels, restore the natural peatland environment, and enhance carbon storage.

Sensor-Based Measurements and Hydrological Modeling
The University of Oulu is investigating how restoration impacts the water cycle, particularly where water flows when drainage ditches are blocked. It is expected that surface water distribution will become more even, the groundwater level will rise, and greenhouse gas emissions will decrease.
To analyze these effects, wireless sensors are used, including the Decentlab sensor DL-PR26 and DL-ZN1, which enables precise measurements. Additionally, ground-penetrating radar is used to examine peat layer thickness and permeable soil structures. These data feed into hydrological models that predict the long-term effects of restoration on the water system for up to 50 years.

Monitoring Greenhouse Gases and Microbial Processes
The Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Natural Resources Institute Finland measure greenhouse gas fluxes before and after restoration to assess its immediate impact. While water conditions change quickly, vegetation adapts more slowly. Microbial activity is analyzed using advanced sequencing methods to better understand carbon and nitrogen cycle processes.
Simulations are used to create long-term projections, including peat accumulation rates and peatlands' responses to climate change. The research is part of the LIFE PeatCarbon project, funded by the EU and conducted in collaboration with international partners.

Read full article

Thanks to Oliver Schilling, University of Basel, for the impressive pictures.

New DL-ATM41G2 is now available

DL-ATM41G2 | Eleven Parameter Weather Station for LoRaWAN®

The second-generation DL-ATM41G2 All-in-One Weather Stations for LoRaWAN are now more precise, durable, and reliable than ever before. Featuring wind speed measurements of up to 60 m/s, EC measurements for precipitation and two rain gauges they set a new benchmark. With enhanced UV-resistant components, easier installation, and a faster WMO-compliant sensor sampling rate, the DL-ATM41G2 is perfectly suited for research, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications.

Decentlab's sensor for measuring:

• Solar Radiation

• Precipitation

• Vapor Pressure

• Relative Humidity

• Air Temperature

• Barometric Pressure

• Horizontal Wind Speed

• Wind Gust

• Wind Direction

• Lightning Strike Count

• Lightning Average Distance

Application:

• Smart agriculture

• Urban heat islands

• Frost alarming

• Micro climate

• Building automation

Sensor data are transmitted in real-time using LoRaWAN® radio technology. LoRaWAN® enables encrypted radio transmissions over long distances while consuming very little power. The user can obtain sensor data through Decentlab’s data storage and visualization system, or through the user's own infrastructure.

Decentlab Sensors now integrated into Lualtek's platform

Lualtek has recently integrated our sensors to their new platform. Lualtek offers specialized solutions for monitoring and automating greenhouses and open-field crops, aiming to provide agricultural entrepreneurs with advanced technologies that optimize resources and reduce energy and environmental costs.

Our sensors are designed to be highly flexible and compatible with various IoT platforms, now with Lualtek as well. This allows users to access their data in the environment that best fits their needs, ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows.

Research: Trees under heat stress

Our forests are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures and drought are affecting many tree species. Which ones are resilient enough to survive?

Our customer and partner, WSL, is exploring this in a model ecosystem MODOEK, where young European beech and downy oak trees are grown under controlled conditions – some with less water, others with temperatures 5°C higher, and some with both. After eight years, clear differences have emerged:

Key findings from the study:
• European beeches struggle with heat and drought, showing signs of stress and stunted growth.
• Downy oaks cope better with extreme conditions, using water more efficiently and adjusting leaf numbers.
• Water scarcity is a greater threat than heat. Beech trees suffer more from drought, while oaks manage better.
• Resource competition is crucial. Oaks outperform beeches in mixed stands.
• Trees can adapt – but only with time. Some species can adjust their photosynthesis temperature, but rapid climate shifts may put them at risk.

Sensors and long-term measurements are key to understanding how trees adapt to climate change.

Decentlab sensors can help collect detailed environmental data to track the trees responses. These findings guide scientists and foresters in preparing forest ecosystems for the future.

Which species will shape our forests future? Early results suggest that drought-resistant species like downy oak may play a major role. But research continues as our forests evolve.

Read full article

Devices for tree monitoring: DL-ZN, DL-ISF, DL-SMTP, DL-TRS21

Monitoring Technologies for Rockslide Detection

The newspaper NZZ recently reported on monitoring rockslides in Switzerland, highlighting how modern technologies can detect and mitigate dangerous rock movements. The companies Geopraevent, Terradata, and InNet mentioned in the article, utilize innovative radar, laser, and seismic technologies. Among many systems they make as well use of sensor devices for LoRaWAN  from Decentlab in some of their monitoring solutions.

A project by InNet vividly shows how quickly long-term monitoring can turn into an emergency. In Muotatal, Switzerland, InNet used laser distance sensors to monitor an unstable rock formation. The laser devices used were no larger than a coffee cup and were powered by batteries. Initially planned as a one-year test, the project revealed alarming acceleration of movements within days. In early summer of 2023, a helicopter transported the equipment to the site, where a mast was installed and sensors attached. These sensors, which provide accurate data every ten minutes, offered a compact and cost-effective solution that suited the project’s limited budget.

Wihtin a week of starting measurements, InNet issued a warning of an imminent rockfall. A few weeks later, the rock mass collapsed, covering an alpine pasture and a hiking trail—fortunately without causing any injuries.

This example highlights the critical importance of environmental monitoring sensors. Climate change is exacerbating the situation by increasing the frequency of extreme weather events and accelerating the melting of permafrost, which destabilizes slopes. Technologies like these not only help protect lives but also transportation routes and critical infrastructure.

Devices for natural hazards monitoring: DL-LPW, DL-LID, DL-ATM41

Air Quality: Monitoring Gaps Threaten Millions

According to an article from Meteorological Technology International – new research reveals that monitoring gaps could leave millions of Americans, particularly in disadvantaged communities, exposed to dangerous levels of pollution without their knowledge.

The recent tightening of air quality standards by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reducing the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) annual health-based standard from 12 µg/m³ to 9 µg/m³, aims to prevent thousands of deaths and workdays lost by 2032. These microscopic particles, smaller than 2.5 µm, can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing serious health issues such as heart and respiratory diseases. The new standards could bring health benefits worth up to $46 billion.

Monitoring Gaps and Social Inequality:

A study by the University of California, Berkeley, however, reveals that the current monitoring network of about 1,000 stations has significant gaps. Around 44% of highly populated metropolitan areas—affecting about 20 million people—lack adequate monitoring. Particularly in disadvantaged communities, often located in heavily polluted regions, there are few monitoring stations.

Solutions:

The study suggests strategically adding more monitoring stations. Just 10 new stations in key locations could reduce the impacted population by 67%. In addition to traditional methods, mobile monitoring, satellite data, and low-cost sensors could help fill these gaps.

Future Challenges:

With the upcoming implementation of stricter standards (e.g., WHO guidelines at 5 µg/m³), these gaps could widen further. Expanding and modernizing the monitoring network is therefore urgently needed to effectively enforce these new policies and better protect vulnerable communities.

Read full article

Device for air pollution monitoring: DL-PM, realtime demo

What will Climate feel like in 60 Years?

Imagine a future where Berlin's climate mirrors that of present-day Italy – this is what an interactive map created by scientists at the University of Maryland predicts. The map visualizes how temperatures and humidity levels across more than 40,500 cities worldwide could shift by 2080.

The simulation reveals a striking shift: cities in northern Europe will increasingly resemble the warm, Mediterranean climate. In a high-emission scenario, where global temperatures rise by up to 9°C, cities like Berlin would experience conditions similar to Italy's Emilia Romagna, while Milan could face an environment akin to present-day Saudi Arabia. By 2080, cities in the northern hemisphere will bear more resemblance to southern regions, while tropical areas such as Central America and North Africa will face unprecedented climate conditions without direct parallels in today’s world.

This interactive tool could be invaluable for scientists and urban planners, offering a powerful visualization that helps prepare for the infrastructure and health challenges that lie ahead in a changing world.

Read full article, interactive map

Devices for urban climate monitoring: DL-BLG, DL-WRM, DL-ATM22, DL-SHT35

See the Impact of New Year's Eve Fireworks

With the holidays comes the excitement for the year-end celebrations. While we celebrate, Decentlab's DL-PM | Particulate Matter, Temperature, Humidity and Barometric Pressure Sensors for LoRaWAN® are hard at work measuring the impact of fireworks on air quality. On our demo platform, you can watch live as particulate matter levels rise throughout the night – a fascinating insight and a reminder of how our actions affect the air we breathe.

The DL-PM sensor measures not only particulate matter (PM2.5 & PM10) but also humidity, temperature, and barometric pressure. This provides a more comprehensive understanding of how various environmental factors change during the New Year's Eve celebrations.

See the live data here: Live demo of DL-PM

Wishing you an unforgettable New Year's Eve and looking forward to a sustainable and innovative 2025!

Wishing everyone a peaceful holiday season

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of innovation and growth. We're grateful for the trust and support of our customers, partners, and everyone who has contributed to our success. Your collaboration has helped bring exciting projects to life and improve our technology.

This year, we expanded our product range with key innovations, including the DL-CWS2, a precise winter road maintenance sensor with an auxiliary air temperature and humidity sensor housed in a large radiation shield, and the DL-PHEHT, a sensor for measuring pH, redox potential, and temperature in water. We also introduced the DL-ISD for very small tree stem and branch growth monitoring and the DL-IFD for fruit growth, providing new opportunities for precision in agriculture and environmental monitoring. We look forward to continuing to push technological boundaries and achieving even more together in 2025. Thank you for making this year a success! 

2024: Increased Moisture – Insights from Decentlab Sensors

As we reflect on the year, we'd like to share an interesting fact revealed by our DL-SMTP sensors in Switzerland: this year, the measurements showed a significant increase in moisture compared to the dry four years of the past. Particularly at locations like the one shown in our demo, where sensors were deployed across Switzerland, there were no prolonged dry spells during the summer, which was a welcome change compared to previous years.

Unlike the extremely dry summers of recent years, 2024 was notably wetter and thus more beneficial for nature. This is confirmed by preliminary soil water status data from TreeNet. This year marked a period with significantly fewer drought phases in Switzerland, providing a solid foundation for ecological balance.

Stay tuned for further updates and take advantage of our public demo dashboardsto track moisture levels in real-time at various locations across Switzerland.

Decentlab Sensors enhance Winter Road Safety in Zurich

We are thrilled to announce that Decentlab's innovative sensor solutions have been chosen by the Zurich Cantonal Civil Engineering Office to enhance safety on cantonal roads.

In this initial phase, our DL-CWS2 | High-Precision Winter Road Maintenance Sensor with Radiation Shield for LoRaWAN® have been installed to deliver early warnings to the winter service about icy conditions, allowing for prompt and targeted responses. By November 2025, more than 100 of these stations will be operational across the canton, providing precise and reliable data via LoRaWAN that will not only enhance road safety but also optimize resource utilization in winter services, in line with the principles of sustainable infrastructure.

These advanced sensors measure critical parameters, including road surface temperature, air temperature, relative humidity, and dew point temperature. By continuously monitoring these factors, they can accurately determine when conditions are favorable for ice formation and provide timely alerts to the winter service.

Let the winter begin!