Key Takeaways:
- Source.ag launches Plant Balance Metrics within its Source Workspace platform.
- The tool introduces two key measures: Plant Balance Factor (PBF) and Generative Trend Indicator (GTI).
- Metrics provide weekly, actionable insights into plant energy dynamics and growth trends.
- Developed with growers, the system aims to improve proactive decision-making in cultivation.
- Initially available for tomato growers, with future plans to expand to peppers and cucumbers.
Source.ag New Feature for Data-Driven Cultivation
Source.ag, a Netherlands-based developer of AI-powered horticulture solutions, has announced the release of Plant Balance Metrics, a new feature designed to help growers better understand and manage the physiological state of their crops.
The innovation introduces two standardized indicators—Plant Balance Factor (PBF) and Generative Trend Indicator (GTI)—which provide clarity on whether crops are in balance, experiencing energy surplus or deficit, or prioritizing generative versus vegetative growth.
Traditionally, greenhouse operators have relied on visual inspection and fragmented data, often leading to delayed adjustments. Source.ag’s approach combines plant and climate values into actionable weekly insights to enable proactive steering of cultivation strategies.
Understanding the Metrics
- Plant Balance Factor (PBF): Measures the balance between energy production and growth demand. Values close to zero indicate balance, positive values suggest a surplus, and negative values reflect an energy deficit.
- Generative Trend Indicator (GTI): Shows whether the plant is focusing on generative growth (fruits and flowers) or vegetative growth (leaves and stems), helping growers adjust climate and irrigation strategies accordingly.
According to Source.ag, these metrics allow for easier comparisons across cultivars and provide a framework for continuous evaluation.
Perspectives from Source.ag and Growers
Cedric Canovas, VP of Data and Plant Science at Source.ag, said the development is the result of extensive research and testing: “Our Plant Balance Metrics distill complex biological processes into two intuitive metrics, providing growers with the quantitative clarity they’ve always needed to optimize their steering strategies.”
He added that the system also includes a simulation feature, allowing growers to test future scenarios, identify issues in advance, and adjust strategies proactively.
Growers involved in the testing phase have reported positive results. Gordon Yakel, Head Grower of Delta View Farms, commented: “I really enjoy following the trends in generative development and plant balance. It helps me track crop stability over time. My crops are finally where they should be. They look beautiful, and we’ve achieved a good balance.”
Availability and Future Expansion
Plant Balance Metrics is now available for tomato growers, with planned extensions to pepper and cucumber cultivation. Source.ag indicates that the tool is intended to provide a standardized reference point for growers seeking to improve efficiency, reduce risks, and enhance yields in controlled environment agriculture.
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