Crop health is a crucial factor in determining yield and is largely dependent on the right fertilization. Moreover, a healthy plant is more resistant to both biotic and abiotic stress, leading to less crop loss and lower inputs. But how can you tell if a plant is getting the right nutrients? And how can nutrient deficiencies be detected early to optimize growth? These are the central questions being explored in an exciting project with HAS green academy in Den Bosch, where students are using Vivent Biosignal technologies to monitor crop health. With plant biosensors that measure plant electrophysiological signals, this project offers a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in the world of agricultural technology.
Vivent Biosignals developed a method to monitor plant responses to nutrient deficiencies in real time. This technology, already been proven in healthcare (ECG/heart scans), is now being applied in agriculture. Vivent's algorithm can detect specific nutrient deficiencies in plants, such as calcium (Ca), potassium (K), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). This shows exactly the nutrients their plants are missing and intervenes before any damage occurs, leading to more efficient and productive practices.
Strawberries have been chosen as the test crop for this project at HAS green academy. Different groups of plants grown on rock wool substrate will be subjected to nutrient deficiencies in potassium (K), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). Students will work with Vivent's biosensors and standard methods to measure plant resilience and activity. The biosensor data will be correlated with current measurement techniques.
This project gives students the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with advanced technologies such as biosensors, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. These technologies are becoming increasingly vital in agriculture, and students can witness firsthand how they contribute to improving crop health and yield. The technology being tested has the potential to revolutionize crop production methods.
Source: Vivent Biosignals