Smart Irrigation, Disease Detection, and Solar-Powered Farming: The Future of AgTech

Description:Vonnie Estes sits down with three innovators transforming how agriculture manages energy, water, and disease detection. Michael Salvador, co-founder and CEO of Mirai Solar, discusses how photovoltaic shading systems generate clean energy while protecting crops from excessive sunlight. Sarah Placella, founder and CEO of Root Applied Sciences, shares how their airborne pathogen detection system helps growers optimize pesticide use and improve scouting precision. Bryce Buesing, Manager of Client Relations at Responsive Drip Irrigation (RDI), explains their plant-responsive irrigation system that delivers water only when plants need it, improving efficiency and conservation.Each of these technologies is shaping a more sustainable and data-driven future for farming, offering solutions that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and support climate resilience.Key Points from the Conversation:•​Mirai Solar: Photovoltaic shading replaces traditional greenhouse and field shading, providing crops with optimal light exposure while generating electricity.•​Root Applied Sciences: DNA-based airborne pathogen detection helps farmers reduce pesticide use by identifying disease presence before visible symptoms appear.•​Responsive Drip Irrigation (RDI): A sensor-free, plant-responsive irrigation system that releases water based on root signals, optimizing water use for a variety of crops.•​The increasing need for precision agriculture solutions in response to climate change and resource limitations.•​Insights from the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator, including the value of industry mentorship and collaboration in bringing new ag-tech innovations to market.Guest Information: •​Michael Salvador – Co-founder & CEO of Mirai Solar, leading innovation in solar-powered shading for agriculture.•​Sarah Placella – Founder & CEO of Root Applied Sciences, pioneering DNA-based pathogen detection to optimize crop protection.•​Bryce Buesing – Manager of Client Relations at Responsive Drip Irrigation, specializing in plant-responsive irrigation solutions for water conservation.