US agriculture buys cameras that see what the human eye cannot

The US Department of Agriculture is buying a specialized camera system that uses short-wave infrared light. This technology lets them see things like plant health and soil composition that are invisible to the naked eye.

For decades, agricultural monitoring relied on visual inspection or expensive lab tests. This purchase means the USDA can now quickly scan large areas for subtle changes in crops or soil. It allows for early detection of issues like disease or nutrient deficiencies, potentially before they become widespread problems.