To feed an estimated 10 billion people by 2050, farming and food production must evolve. Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) offer groundbreaking solutions, enabling precise, low-power sensing and monitoring directly on farms and in fields.
How PICs help
Sensor fusion for accurate detection and analysis
Lidar for 3D mapping and precise problem detection
Ramen spectroscopy for analysis of plant growth conditions and livestock emissions
Near-infrared (NIR) for nutrient analysis
The future of farming
The transition
In order to feed every human on the planet in the next 25 years and beyond, we need to take action now. Existingnfarming practices and methods of food production will not be enough to feed the global population of the future. That means the agrifood sector must deliberately transform, minimising losses, and optimising food production processes and yields. At the same time, agrifood needs to adopt cleaner and greener solutions – reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting biodiversity in order to conserve, more evenly distribute, and sustain the Earth’s natural resources.
Challenges
Sensors are already capable of taking a wide rangenof measurements including humidity, air pressure, chemical composition, and temperature. However, commercially-viable smart technology needs to be easy to understand and operate without the need for extensive technical training. At the same time, it must be robust enough for farmers to use in the field. To address these practical and technical challenges, precision agriculture needs sensing technology that is small, cost-effective, and scalable so that it can be produced in high volumes and at a low cost.
PICs to the rescue
That’s where integrated photonics, specifically Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), have an important role to play. PICs deliver highly precise sensing on miniturised microchips, transforming farming practices by putting laboratory testing capabilities directly into the hands of farmers. Applications in agrifood include sensor fusion for accurate detection and analysis, lidar for 3D mapping and precise problem detection, near-infrared (NIR) for nutrient analysis, and Raman spectroscopy for chemical analysis of plant growth conditions and livestock emissions monitoring.
PIC Applications
in Agrifood
Near-infrared (NIR)
Already firmly established on the market, NIR allows both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the composition of nutrients in products. NIR testing is used by farmers to extract precise data about the composition of a cow’s milk at the point of milking.
MantiSpectra’s Spectrapod is a minaturised NIR spectrometer.
Sensor fusion
Data from different sensors can be combined for more accurate detection and quantitative analysis. Take a tomato for example. One device could potentially detect multiple variables such as sugar and moisture content, defects, firmness, and insects.
LiDAR
3D mapping of landscapes and structures is one thing. Mapping orchards, soil conditions, and water flow is another. LiDAR helps farmers precisely pinpoint where a problem lies, then make adjustments or intervene. It can also be used to map the precise location of farm machinery and livestock.
Raman spectroscopy
A more complex – and currently more expensive – technology that can carry out highly sensitive and specific analysis of chemicals. It could be used to determine growth conditions, and measure the chemical composition of plants. In livestock management, it could be used to monitor and control emissions, helping to both improve gas detection systems and monitor animal health.
How can we help?
Are you developing an application that could benefit from photonics but need specific expertise or support? Or perhaps you require assistance with design or process optimisation? At PhotonDelta, we’re here to help you tackle challenges across the entire photonics supply chain.