Non-Intrusive Plant Dynamic Monitoring Using mmWave Radar

In this work, we evaluate the feasibility of a 60 GHz Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) mmWave radar for non-contact monitoring of plant canopy dynamics. The range profile of an experimental setup with a Calathea plant was measured over 10 days at minute intervals. The measured data clearly reveal circadian oscillations and provide a means to estimate the daily plant growth rate. This method avoids the weight issue of contact sensors and solves lighting conditions dependency of optical alternatives. It offers an approach for realtime growth tracking and potentially enables stress detection in controlled environment agriculture.