Treelektrod

Treelektrod is a sensor technology that uses a miniature electrode or electrode pair installed in or on a tree to monitor electrical signals and related physiological processes. The term blends tree and electrode and is used primarily in plant science and environmental monitoring contexts. In typical configurations, two microelectrodes are inserted into conductive tissues such as the cambium or xylem, or applied non-invasively to the bark, and connected to a data logger or wireless transmitter. The device records electrical potentials, impedance, and, when configured for sap-flow studies, combined electrical and hydrodynamic signals. Materials commonly include carbon-based conductive elements and biocompatible polymers to minimize tissue damage. Data are used to infer plant stress, water status, and photosynthetic activity.

Applications span drought stress detection, forest health surveillance, urban forestry, and long-term climate research. The technology supports real-time monitoring and can be integrated into smart-forest networks for data fusion with meteorological sensors. As such, treelektrods can contribute to early warning systems for irrigation management, pest and disease surveillance, and study of plant-water relations under changing environmental conditions.

Historically, the concept originated in plant electrophysiology research during the late 2000s and 2010s, with researchers exploring electrical responses in trees. There is no single standardized design, and devices vary in electrode material, insertion method, and interpretation of signals. Protocols continue to evolve as experience grows in different species and environmental settings.

Limitations include potential tissue damage from invasive installation, signal variability due to moisture and temperature, and calibration challenges. Ethical and regulatory considerations may apply for field deployments, particularly in protected areas or urban environments.

See also plant electrophysiology, sap flow sensor, phytosensor.