Sensing for health, vigour and disease detection in row and grain crops

Authors: FRANZEN, D - North Dakota State University; MIAO, Y - University Of Minnesota; Kitchen, Newell; SCHEPERS, J - Retired Non ARS Employee; SCHARF, P - University Of Missouri

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/5/2019
Publication Date: 11/27/2021
Citation: Franzen, D.W., Miao, Y., Kitchen, N.R., Schepers, J.S., Scharf, P.C. 2021. Sensing for health, vigour and disease detection in row and grain crops. In: Kerry, R., Escolà, A. Sensing Approaches for Precision Agriculture. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. p. 159-193. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78431-7_6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78431-7_6

Interpretive Summary: Factors that vary from ideal growing conditions will impact crop growth and induce crop stress. Stresses fit into either an abiotic or biotic stress factor category. Examples of abiotic stressors are unfavorable nutrient availability, soil water excess or deficit, or unfavorable temperature. Examples of biotic stresses include insect feeding, disease infection and parasitic nematode root infection. Both abiotic and biotic crop stresses create phyisiochemical responses that can be detected sensors. As such, sensing information is utilized for crop decision support systems. Sensing systems are often categorized as remote sensors or remotely sensed imagery. Remote sensing is the practice of obtaining data from an object without touching it. A remote sensor obtains data without utilizing an image. However, sensor imagery utilizes an image as data. A remote sensor is usually placed in the field or in the general area of a field where monitoring some aspect related to crop health is required. Remotely sensed imagery may be imagery generated by a satellite, airplane, drone, or a ground-based mobile sensor. This chapter reviews examples of sensing approaches for assessing crop health. Included are discussions on: 1) crop health and vigor related to insect damage and disease; 2) indices used to identify nutrient deficiencies; 3) sensors for crop nutrient management; and 4) plant health assessment through soil sensing. The continued development of sensors for crop stress management should include consideration of the practical ease of its use. Use of the technology should not have to require undue effort by the user to reprogram present equipment, require purchase of expensive peripherals, or additional tools and connectors that might serve as a barrier to implementation. Needed is more support from equipment suppliers or consulting companies that understand and service the sensing systems and can guide individual farmers use and address troubleshooting needs. Adoption of sensing technologies and services will help farmers be more efficient with their time and cropping system inputs.

Technical Abstract: Factors that vary from ideal growing conditions will impact crop growth and induce crop stress. Stresses fit into either an abiotic or biotic stress factor category. Examples of abiotic stressors are unfavorable nutrient availability, soil water excess or deficit, or unfavorable temperature. Examples of biotic stresses include insect feeding, disease infection and parasitic nematode root infection. Both abiotic and biotic crop stresses create phyisiochemical responses that can be detected sensors. As such, sensing information is utilized for crop decision support systems. Sensing systems are often categorized as remote sensors or remotely sensed imagery. Remote sensing is the practice of obtaining data from an object without touching it. A remote sensor obtains data without utilizing an image. However, sensor imagery utilizes an image as data. A remote sensor is usually placed in the field or in the general area of a field where monitoring some aspect related to crop health is required. Remotely sensed imagery may be imagery generated by a satellite, airplane, drone, or a ground-based mobile sensor. This chapter reviews examples of sensing approaches for assessing crop health. Included are discussions on: 1) crop health and vigor related to insect damage and disease; 2) indices used to identify nutrient deficiencies; 3) sensors for crop nutrient management; and 4) plant health assessment through soil sensing. The continued development of sensors for crop stress management should include consideration of the practical ease of its use. Use of the technology should not have to require undue effort by the user to reprogram present equipment, require purchase of expensive peripherals, or additional tools and connectors that might serve as a barrier to implementation. Needed is more support from equipment suppliers or consulting companies that understand and service the sensing systems and can guide individual farmers use and address troubleshooting needs. Adoption of sensing technologies and services will help farmers be more efficient with their time and cropping system inputs.