Bladprov

Bladprov is a handheld diagnostic device used in agriculture to assess plant health by analyzing leaf tissue in situ. It combines spectroscopy, chlorophyll fluorescence, and micro-fluidic sampling to deliver rapid measurements of chlorophyll concentration, nitrogen status, water content, and stress indicators, enabling field-based decision making for fertilizer and irrigation management.

Etymology: The name Bladprov derives from the Swedish blad meaning leaf and prov meaning test or probe, reflecting its function as a leaf-focused diagnostic tool.

History: Conceptualized in the mid-2000s by a northern European agritech collaboration, Bladprov entered the market in the early 2010s. Early field trials centered on staple crops such as wheat and potatoes, with later versions expanding to fruits and vegetables and supporting integration with farm-management software.

Operation and features: The device consists of a rugged handheld unit with a detachable leaf-sampling module, a multi-spectral sensor array, and a companion app. A user places the sensor on a leaf; readings appear within seconds as a dashboard of metrics including chlorophyll content, nitrogen status, water potential, and disease or nutrient stress flags. Data can be exported or synced to cloud platforms.

Impact and limitations: Bladprov has supported more targeted nutrient and water management, contributing to inputs reduction and yield optimization in some farms. Limitations include calibration needs across species, environmental variability affecting readings, and the requirement for operator training and maintenance.