In an era where the world must produce more food. But resources are decreasing every year. Researchers from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) have developed a new technology called Leaf Monitor that may change the way we farm forever.
An AI that just looks at a leaf will know right away. ‘What strength does the plant lack?’
Leaf Monitor is a tool that uses AI and light sensors. (Spectrometer) to scan plant leaves To see if the plants have enough nutrients Without having to wait weeks for lab results like before. Because it can give results in just 5 seconds and AI will help analyze it.
What nutrients are the plant’s leaves lacking? How much fertilizer should be applied, where should it be applied, and when to get the best results?
Professor Alireza Pourreza from UC Davis said: “Farmers can immediately know what their crops need. Without having to wait for test results for a long time Just like before.”
Behind this technology is huge data that the research team collected over five years, analyzing thousands of almond and grape leaves, to allow AI to learn and make accurate assessments.
Geoff Klein, Farm Manager at Bullseye Farms, which has tried it out, says: “When I know real-time information We add fertilizer only as necessary. Use less but get better results.”
This is another step in Precision Agriculture that focuses on using technology to reduce wastage and increase efficiency.
Many people may be concerned that AI technology is energy intensive. Especially data centers (Data Center) that require enormous amounts of electricity. But now researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new cooling technology. That significantly reduces data center energy use.
A prototype version of Leaf Monitor is available for download from UC Davis’ Digital Agriculture Lab.
