Scottish researchers have developed a new type of imaging technology to help farmers monitor their crops.
Academics at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), Strathclyde University and the James Hutton Institute, have teamed up with Glasgow-based product design firm Wideblue to develop a new type of hyperspectral imaging system.
They believe the sensors they are developing will be up to 90% cheaper than the equivalent equipment currently available on the market.
The team’s system uses linear variable optical filters to disperse light reflecting from plants into specific wavelengths and colours. This data is then analysed to provide a number of key indicators to farmers on the conditions of crops.
Researchers hope farmers will be able to use the technology to monitor plant health, hydration levels and disease indicators, leading to optimised use of fertiliser and water, and the ability to spot disease earlier.
