Technology

SmartCrop Technology

The SmartCrop® technology is based on the USDA patent known as BIOTIC (Biologically Identified Optimal Temperature Interactive Console). The technology uses an accurate but low cost temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the surface of the leaf, known as canopy temperature. A Field Sensor that is placed in the grower’s field takes this reading once a minute each day.

These temperature readings are then relayed to a centrally located base station along with other environmental data. This temperature information is then compared to the crop species’ known optimal temperature, coupled with a time threshold, to determine when the crop is experiencing water stress.

A SmartCrop system can be powered by an input from the center pivot, by a separate 110 VAC input, or by a solar panel. The Base Station is designed with battery backup protection so that data is continually collected and stored in the event that power is lost.

Research from the USDA’s 20+ years of testing and experimentation found that the BIOTIC process is an effective method of providing irrigation control for maximizing yield while minimizing water usage.