Energy News
FARM NEWS
New sensor technology enhances plant monitoring and health management
illustration only
Reuters Events SMR and Advanced Reactor 2025
New sensor technology enhances plant monitoring and health management
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Nov 27, 2024

In response to challenges posed by climate change and overpopulation, researchers at Tohoku University have developed an innovative leaf-mounted sensor that provides real-time monitoring of plant health. This compact device is designed to improve crop yields and optimize resource management by identifying plant stress and health changes with precision.

Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts have heightened the need for advanced tools to monitor plant responses to environmental stress. While drones and aircraft offer broad aerial perspectives, their data lacks the detail necessary for tracking individual plant health. Other existing sensors capable of close monitoring require manual handling and maintenance, making them impractical for large-scale use.

"The traditional methods may work well for some purposes, but they are difficult to operate and quite expensive," said Kaori Kohzuma, a lead researcher. "In order to continuously monitor small changes, we needed a new solution."

To meet this demand, the research team designed a wireless sensor that attaches to the underside of plant leaves. Equipped with a spectroscopic sensor and light source, the device measures leaf color changes without obstructing sunlight. This waterproof sensor is powered by a battery, features Wi-Fi connectivity, and can operate outdoors for over a month, making it an effective tool for extended monitoring.

"Smart agriculture is a huge time-saver," noted Ko-ichiro Miyamoto. "Farmers don't have time to manually check every single plant. This sensor is able to provide fine-tuned readings for what's going on in real time. Then, they can react accordingly to areas where plants are experiencing high levels of stress."

The sensor demonstrated accuracy comparable to commercial spectrometers in tests conducted on 90 leaves from 30 plant species. It effectively detected changes across seven of its eight wavelengths, with strong performance at 620 nm - consistent with commercial chlorophyll meters. Additional trials using a stress-sensitive Arabidopsis thaliana mutant revealed that its readings at 550 nm aligned with the commonly used Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), further confirming its reliability.

In an outdoor trial, the device tracked changes in birch leaf color during autumn over a two-week period, capturing chlorophyll decreases and sunlight-related fluctuations. These results highlight the sensor's potential to provide detailed, continuous insights into plant health under natural conditions.

"This affordable sensor is a promising tool for accurately monitoring plant health and stress through leaf color and light reflection data," Kohzuma concluded. "Its low cost makes it possible to place multiple sensors across various locations, creating a network for simultaneous monitoring in many spots."

The new sensor technology is poised to play a significant role in smart farming, forestry, and other sectors requiring detailed plant health tracking, enabling targeted interventions where they are most needed.

Research Report:Analysis of plant physiological responses based on leaf color changes through the development and application of a wireless plant sensor

Related Links
Tohoku University
Farming Today - Suppliers and Technology

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
FARM NEWS
Focaccia baking in the Late Neolithic highlights complex food traditions
Madrid, Spain (SPX) Nov 26, 2024
Research conducted by the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB) and the University La Sapienza in Rome has revealed a sophisticated culinary culture among Late Neolithic agricultural societies in the Near East. The findings suggest that communities between 7000 and 5000 BCE baked large loaves and seasoned focaccias using specialized ceramic trays. Published in 'Scientific Reports' (Nature Portfolio), the study involved researchers from the Mila i Fontanals Institution (IMF-CSIC) and the Universi ... read more

FARM NEWS
Planet and Global Fishing Watch advance ocean monitoring with expanded collaboration

China unveils cloud platform to expand remote-sensing data access

NASA data reveals role of green spaces in cooling cities

China launches new mapping satellites to enhance radar imaging network

FARM NEWS
Space Systems Command and U.S. Navy achieve major MGUE program milestone

N. Korea jams GPS signals, affecting ships, aircraft in South

Successful demo showcases BAE Systems' next-gen M-Code GNSS technology

BeiDou remote sensing experiment enhances ecological monitoring in Yellow River

FARM NEWS
Beeches thrive in France's Verdun in flight from climate change

Congo Basin forests shrink due to illegal logging

EU states oppose watering down embattled deforestation ban

Biden touts climate legacy in landmark Amazon visit

FARM NEWS
Turning emissions into renewable methane fuel

Turning automotive engines into modular chemical plants to make green fuels

Sacred cow: coal-hungry India eyes bioenergy to cut carbon

Waste heat from London sewers eyed to warm UK parliament

FARM NEWS
MIT, Harvard and Mass General lead 408 MW green energy push

Stability of perovskite solar cells boosted with innovative protective layer

Using sunlight to recycle black plastics

The future of AI with solar-powered synaptic devices

FARM NEWS
Baltic Sea wind farms impair Sweden's defence, says military

Sweden blocks 13 offshore wind farms over defence concerns

Sweden's defence concerned by planned offshore wind power

On US coast, wind power foes embrace 'Save the Whales' argument

FARM NEWS
In Bosnia, the path to renewables runs through its coal mines

China expected to hit peak coal consumption in 2025: report

Police arrest 170 after floating blockade of Australian coal port

Wealthy nations pledge 'no new coal' at COP29

FARM NEWS
China confirms return of 'wrongfully imprisoned' trio from US

US says China releases three 'wrongfully detained' Americans

Hong Kong same-sex couples win housing, inheritance rights

Eight dead, 17 hurt, in China school knife attack; Police formally arrest car ramming suspect

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.