Handheld leaf scanner gives instant crop trace-element analysis
© Tim Scrivener A handheld leaf scanner that provides real-time crop nutrient and trace element readings is now available to growers.
The Nutriscope leaf scanner, developed by French firm Senseen, is a portable pocket-sized laboratory that eliminates the need to send leaf samples to a lab.
The tool provides real-time, in-field data to help farmers make crop management and fertiliser decisions.
The tool can be used on a range of crops, including cereals, maize, oilseed rape, potatoes and tomatoes.
The technology integrates sap analysis, advanced photonics and artificial intelligence to measures a broad range of parameters that were once only obtainable through expensive labs or complex field equipment.
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How it works
The firm’s CEO, Philippe Cousin, said when sampling a field of wheat, for example, he recommends taking 15 leaf samples from across the field to get an accurate representation.
The leaf is positioned in a “leaf clipper” to prepare for scanning. Users then open the Nutriscope app on a phone or tablet to start scanning. The device emits light onto the leaf and captures the reflection, collecting essential data on plant health.
The data is uploaded to the cloud, and processed to analyse nutrients and plant health indicators.
Real-time insights, such as nutrient levels and crop health recommendations, are then available, allowing users to make informed decisions on crops.
Stress indicator
Phillipe said the device displays a stress index to give users a direct way to assess plant health.
This combines pH and Redox potential (Eh) measurements to indicate oxidative stress—a key factor in nutrient imbalances, disease susceptibility, and environmental stressors.
“By tracking this index over time, farmers can detect early signs of plant stress and adjust management practices accordingly,” he says.
A further AI tool known as Savia, will be available for users in September to provide further practical data interpretation.
The start off fee for the hardware together with the annual subscription fee is about £1,700.
