Leaf Monitor Brings Instant Crop Insights from UC Davis
Imagine walking into a vineyard, plucking a single leaf, scanning it, and within seconds knowing if that plant is healthy, low on nutrients, or starting to show stress.
That is not a future dream. It is happening right now. A team from the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at UC Davis has created what is called the Leaf Monitor, a handheld tool that uses spectrometry and artificial intelligence to give growers real-time insight into plant nutrition and health.
According to UC Davis researchers, farmers can get that data in about five seconds right in the field, with no waiting for lab results. Early testing with almonds and grapes shows the tool can identify key nutrients like nitrogen and potassium, helping growers make faster, more precise fertilizer decisions.
The project is supported by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the California Table Grape Commission, which says this technology could be a real game changer, improving yields, cutting costs, and keeping California agriculture thriving for years to come.
