Plant-controlled irrigation by Vivent Biosignals
Plant-driven irrigation further developed at Tomatoworld
Tomatoworld and its partner Vivent Biosignals are taking the next step in the development of plant-driven irrigation. In the field lab, research is being conducted into how electrical signals from the plant itself can be translated into specific irrigation actions, with the aim of achieving more efficient and sustainable water use in greenhouse horticulture.
Vivent Biosignals is developing technology in which small electrodes in the plant measure electrical signals. These signals are converted into irrigation decisions via a drought stress model. “The results so far show that control based on the plant itself works well and aligns with our philosophy: the plant is the sensor,” says Fleur Gulien, Manager of Plant-Driven Irrigation at Vivent.
During the current growing season, the trial is being expanded within the Tomatoworld field lab. In addition to the drought model, additional climate data and various irrigation strategies are being incorporated. This will investigate how robust and practical plant-driven irrigation is in growers’ day-to-day operations.
As an independent field lab, Tomatoworld provides a practical environment in which innovations such as this are tested, validated and demonstrated. Through collaboration between technology partners, growers and research institutions, solutions for efficient and sustainable food production are being developed.
The insights from this trial will be shared during the growers’ afternoon on Wednesday 13 May at Tomatoworld, organised by Vivent Biosignals. During this session, results from ongoing and new trials with plant biosensors will be presented, including effects on water use and yield. In addition, irrigation strategies employed and differences compared to the previous growing season will be discussed, along with the next steps for practical application. Interested growers can visit the Vivent website for further information and to register.
This project forms part of a voucher project supported by Fieldlab Vertical Farming and Greenport Horti Campus. The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Opportunities for the West programme.
For further information, email: info@tomatoworld.nl