CERMETEK — Department of Agriculture SBIR Phase I: 8.4

Description

We are hereby submitting a proposal to commercialize a new technology which could result inthe saving of agricultural water resources not only in California and dry western United Statesbut also around the world. The initial basis for this technology which was developed at theUniversity of California Davis has been proven in research field tests to save up to 30% inwater usage for major crops like almond walnuts and grapes when compared toevapotranspiration(ET) requirements. These research projects were conducted under theauspices of Dr. Shrinivasa Upadhyaya Distinguished Professor Bio Ag and Engineering Dept atthe University of California at Davis.Cermetek Microelectronics has subsequently licensed this technology with the intent tocommercialize their LeafMon-S product and make it cost effective easy to use to providegrowers worldwide with an invaluable tool for managing precision irrigation. The LeafMon-Swill be very energy efficient and universal so that it can be attached commercially avaialbe datacommunication networks.It is with this purpose that we are applying for funds to facilitate and accelerate this process.Our initial development of the LeafMon product with early field usage has provided positivevery encouraging results with growers of grapes pistachiosalmonds and walnuts.We haveidentified three early adopters who have shown keen interest in working with us to test thesystem.Added funding per our proposal budget plans are needed to complete thiscommercialization and make it a cost effective (lost cost) version for widespread application.