HortAlert

The HortAlert project introduces an innovative system for real-time crop health monitoring aimed at improving quality and yield. This automation is presented as a necessary step in the agrifood systems transformation, helping producers maintain or expand output as workers move to higher-paying sectors. The need for this technology is driven by significant problems, including agriculture’s large environmental footprint: it accounts for $70\%$ of global water use , and $70\%$ of fertilizers are wasted, ending up in the air, aquifers, and surface waters, causing significant pollution. HortAlert’s value proposition is based on efficiency and sustainability, optimizing the usage of water, fertilizers, and pesticides to reduce costs and environmental impact. The system is adaptable to any type of crop and customer, from recreational users to professional farmers , and allows for remote monitoring and management.