AI technologies could be coming to an orchard near you. The latest ideas involve ‘listening’ to the trees to find out exactly when they are starting to feel thirsty.
British apple supplier and BAPL member, Adrian Scripps, has joined a trial to evaluate a new ‘listening’ technology, the sensors on the trees detect biosignals that give growers an early alert to potential stresses – like needing a drink! The sensors are small, with two wires that go into the tree, usually into a branch. They detect micro-electric biosignals inside the tree and trigger irrigation the moment the tree needs it. The grower no longer has to guess, or wait for the tree to show signs of ‘thirst’.
While we might have the perfect maritime climate for growing delicious apples in the UK, rain is not always plentiful and water sustainability is very important. Ultimately this technology will also help growers conserve water and be more sustainable.
