FloraPulse introduces a real-time water monitoring system to reduce water stress, labour costs and risk
Designed by Cornell scientists to save money and increase yields, FloraPulse’s system aims to enhance crop quality and environmental health for the future of regenerative agriculture.
Only plants know when they need water, but it has been impossible to communicate with them, until now, according to FloraPulse, which has developed a way to acquire data directly from plants, providing agricultural professionals with accurate, automated measurements on plant water status.
Prospective users will include like woody crop owners and managers, nut and dry fruit growers, fresh fruit growers, commercial orchard/vineyard operators, government and university researchers, certified crop consultants, scientists, FloraPulse said.
FloraPulse’s new microT system comprises patented hardware, software, and technical support for each user to directly manage water stress, reducing water and labour costs and risks while increasing yields, crop quality and environmental health. It can be used for a wide range of crops including almonds, hazelnuts, wine grapes, apples, peaches, and berries.
Founded through research and collaboration of Cornell University’s emeritus professor of horticulture, Alan Lakso, director of the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Abraham Strook, and mechanical engineering Ph.D. and microT technology developer, Michael Santiago, FloraPulse provides growers and researchers accurate and trusted automated measurements of water stress directly from trees and vines. The patented technology, used worldwide, provides science-based advice to optimize irrigation, increases profits, and valuable research data. Crop managers and researchers can now know to grow with FloraPulse.
“FloraPulse is a game-changer for the entire agricultural industry,” said Lakso. “After years of research and development, our team created the first simple-to-use device that provides farmers and researchers real-time data that helps growers and researchers achieve efficient water use in the face of variable climate conditions,” said Lakso.
FloraPulse’s real-time water sensing technology allows for more resilient plant health systems that enhance our agricultural system and farmers’ bottom lines, the company added.
Image: FloraPulse