A blue, potato-shaped sensor for in-store monitoring of potato crops, and an app that estimates your potential crop yield from a photo and a blue mat, are two new sensors launched by METOS UK at this year’s British Potato event today 24-25 November 2021.
“Our approach to digital crop protection means that growers can select the hardware, software and artificial intelligence services that meet their business needs, regardless of the range of crops they grow, or their location,” explains Mr Whattoff, Managing Director of METOS UK.
“These innovative new products for potato growers add to our existing range of robust in-field sensors which provide insights to help improve disease and pest control, crop nutrition, and optimise water use for irrigation.”
Inside the blue tuber-shaped SolAntenna are sensors to measure and track temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels in-store. The data collected by the sensors enables growers to assess storage conditions and take action to prevent in-store rots.
The SolAntenna has a long battery life and can be placed anywhere within the store in both box and bulk storage. The wireless sensors transmit data to a virtual dashboard, which is accessible on mobile and computer, with real-time data available on connected devices.
METOS are also introducing the SolGrader at BP2021 today. This is an app that estimates crop size and yield from a photo taken in the field. With some data inputted to the app, and a photo of a sample of the crop taken on a special blue mat with a red square, SolGrader will calculate the estimated tuber size distribution, overall crop weight, yield and value.
SolGrader allows growers to estimate yield in the field, and assess likely yield by field, variety, and management factors. It will also help growers to identify poorly performing areas of fields.
