ARS | Publication request: Using high resolution airborne and satellite imagery to assess crop growth and yield variability for precision agriculture

Submitted to: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Proceedings Fuzzy Systems
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 5, 2012
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Information concerning within-field crop yield variability is becoming increasingly important for effective crop management. This paper gives an overview on the use of airborne multispectral and hyperspectral imagery and high resolution satellite imagery for assessing crop growth and yield variability. The methodologies for image acquisition and processing and for the integration and analysis of image and yield data are discussed. Five application examples are provided to illustrate how airborne multispectral and hyperspectral imagery and high resolution satellite imagery have been used for mapping crop yield variability. Some of the advantages and limitations on the use of different types of remote sensing imagery and analysis techniques for yield mapping are also discussed.

Technical Abstract: In order to develop a real-time analyzer for soil attributes, this study analyzed the needs for real-time measurement of soil attributes and reviewed major soil attributes to be measured in soil testing and commonly-used testing methods, including traditional chemical analysis, methods based on electro-optical dispersion and electrochemical sensors, and indirect measurement of soil electrical conductivity. More emphasis was given to the review of the basic principles, laboratory studies, prototype development, and field experiments of near-infrared spectroscopic. The described methods and prototype instruments and the proposed scientific problems to be solved in this paper will be useful and provide important guidance for research and development of real-time analyzers for soil attributes.