Title: Nitrogen Management and Plant Quality Monitoring Using Optical Sensor Technology in Native and Non-Native Speciality Crops

by Dr. Barbara Nogueira Souza Costa, Postdoctoral Associate, Florida International University

Abstract: Nitrogen is one of the most influential macronutrients. It is crucial in plant development, especially in landscaping plants. Nitrogen being a limiting element of production, it is intensively used in productive crops. It aims to get the crop to reach its maximum potential. Furthermore, Nitrogen is a macronutrient that affects plant chlorophyll content, which can be used to define the growth status and leaf Nitrogen content in plants. Generally, only a minor part of the Nitrogen applied is recovered by crops, and the excess is susceptible to loss to the environment, which is associated with various environmental problems. Overfertilizing can lead to extra costs as well as an environmental hazard via nutrient runoff. Therefore, the use of technologies, like optical sensors, to optimize the cost of over-fertilization and environmental sustainability is extremely important. The aim of this project is to introduce an accessible fertilizer management tool in the production of non-native plant (Cacao) and the most common native landscaping plants (Cocoplum, SatinLeaf, Wild coffee, and Cabbage palm) in South Florida, by monitoring chlorophyll content using optical sensor technology. This seminar will provide an overview and preliminary results of this research project.