Expanded Abilities
In a groundbreaking development, Fuji's Research and Development arm, Green Science Alliance, has demonstrated the effectiveness of its Quantum Dot Nano Fertilizer (QDNF) in lab trials. The Japanese Mustard Green plants grown with QDNF showed the same growth as those given regular fertilizer, marking a significant step forward in modern agriculture.
The innovative QDNF incorporates fluorescent nitrogen-functionalized carbon quantum dots (CQDs) that plants absorb through their roots or leaves. When farmers shine ultraviolet (UV) light on the treated plants, the CQDs emit fluorescent light. The intensity and characteristics of this fluorescence provide immediate visual indicators of the plant's health and nutrient status.
The fluorescence depends on the type of nitrogen-containing CQDs and the plant's physiological condition. Plants under stress—caused by poor nutrition, temperature fluctuations, or humidity—produce compounds like hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide which interact with the CQDs, weakening their fluorescent glow. This change in emitted light signals stress or nutrient deficiency, enabling farmers to detect problems early and take corrective actions promptly.
Fuji Pigment is moving towards the commercialization of QDNF, collaborating with Tohoku University for further research. This glowing fertilizer not only improves on traditional manual inspections that are labor-intensive and less timely but also serves as a sensor for pesticides, herbicides, and antibacterial residues, as its fluorescence fades upon reacting with harmful substances.
Meanwhile, Sony's smart farming system allows farmers to customize crop tastes by adjusting factors such as fertilizer, light, carbon dioxide, and water levels. The system calculates the ideal cultivation environment data based on user-specified taste preferences. Major Agtech companies are also using CRISPR gene editing and sucrose-enhancement technologies to improve crop flavors.
In another instance, a farmer in western Victoria lost thousands of dollars due to unpalatable broccoli caused by lack of soil moisture. Traditional methods for assessing plant health are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and lack precision. Fuji's innovation, however, makes plant health visible and measurable in real-time through a glowing fertilizer.
Moreover, QDNF can be absorbed through leaves, allowing for targeted fertilization and minimizing the risk of feeding weeds. The small size of QDNF ensures it is absorbed without bacterial decomposition. As emerging technologies from cross-industry players like Sony and Fuji are being used in agriculture, including real-time crop analysis and flavor customization, the future of farming looks brighter and more efficient than ever.
- The development of QDNF, with its potential to visualize plant health and nutrient status through fluorescence, could revolutionize the finance sector by reducing crop loss and increasing agricultural efficiency, thereby boosting business profitability.
- In the realm of lifestyle and food-and-drink, the advances in agricultural technology, such as Sony's smart farming system and Fuji's QDNF, are poised to transform the way we produce and consume food, offering fresher, more flavorful produce and promoting a healthier ecosystem.
