scholarly journals Assessing the Effectiveness of Precision Agriculture Management Systems in Mediterranean Small Farms

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 3765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís Loures ◽  
Alejandro Chamizo ◽  
Paulo Ferreira ◽  
Ana Loures ◽  
Rui Castanho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
World Population ◽  
Small Farms ◽  
The Impact

While the world population continues to grow, increasing the need to produce more and better-quality food, climate change, urban growth and unsustainable agricultural practices accelerate the loss of available arable land, compromising the sustainability of agricultural lands both in terms of productivity and environmental resilience, and causing serious problems for the production-consumption balance. This scenario highlights the urgent need for agricultural modernization as a crucial step to face forthcoming difficulties. Precision agriculture techniques appear as a feasible option to help solve these problems. However, their use needs to be reinvented and tested according to different parameters, in order to define both the environmental and the economic impact of these new technologies not only on agricultural production, but also on agricultural sustainability. This paper intends, therefore, to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of precision agriculture through the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)/remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) techniques in small Mediterranean farms. We present specific data obtained through the application of the aforementioned techniques in three farms located along the Portuguese-Spanish border, considering three parameters (seeding failure, differentiated irrigation and differentiated fertilization) in order to determine not only the ecological benefits of these methods, but also their economic and productivity aspects. The obtained results, based on these methods, highlight the fact that an efficient combination of UAV/RPAS and NDVI techniques allows for important economic savings in productivity factors, thus promoting a sustainable agriculture both in ecological and economic terms. Additionally, contrary to what is generally defended, even in small farms, as the ones assessed in this study (less than 50 ha), the costs associated with the application of the aforementioned precision agriculture processes are largely surpassed by the economic gains achieved with their application, regardless of the notorious environmental benefits introduced by the reduction of crucial production inputs as water and fertilizers.

scholarly journals Monitoring of a Calcium Biofortification Workflow for Tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Picasso Using Smart Farming Technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Ana Rita F. Coelho ◽  
Inês Carmo Luís ◽  
Ana Coelho Marques ◽  
Cláudia Campos Pessoa ◽  
Diana Daccak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solanum Tuberosum ◽  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
Solanum Tuberosum L ◽  
Test System ◽  
Experimental Production ◽  
Large Crop ◽  
The Impact

Due to the rapid growth of the population worldwide and the need to provide food safety in large crop productions, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are being used in agriculture to provide valuable data for decision making. Accordingly, through precision agriculture, efficient management of resources, using data obtained by the technologies, is possible. Through remote sensed data collected in a crop region, it is possible to create NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) maps, which are a powerful tool to detect stresses, namely, in plants. Accordingly, using smart farm technology, this study aimed to assess the impact of Ca biofortification on leaves of Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Picasso. As such, using an experimental production field of potato tubers (GPS coordinates: 39°16′38,816′′ N; 9°15′9128′′ W) as a test system, plants were submitted to a Ca biofortification workflow through foliar spraying with CaCl2 or, alternatively, chelated calcium (Ca-EDTA) at concentrations of 12 and 24 kg·ha−1. A lower average NDVI in Ca-EDTA 12 kg·ha−1 treatment after the fourth foliar application was found, which, through the application of the CieLab scale, correlated with lower L (darker color) and hue parameters, regarding control plants. Additionally, a higher Ca content was quantified in the leaves. The obtained data are discussed, and it is concluded that Ca-EDTA 12 kg·ha−1 triggers lower vigor in Picasso potatoes leaves.

scholarly journals Integrated application of drones for soil management and precision agriculture in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 21-30
Author(s):  
Agbakoba Augustine Azubuike ◽  
Ema Idongesit Asuquo ◽  
Agbakoba Victor Chike
Keyword(s):  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Information And Communication

The recent push for precision agriculture has resulted in the deployment of highly sophisticated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets in various agricultural practices and methods. The introduction of ICT devices has been linked to significant improvements in agricultural activities. These devices have been shown to enhance the optimal management of critical resources such as water, soil, crop and arable land. Again, ICT devices are increasingly attractive due to their flexibility, ease of operation, compactness and superior computational capabilities. Especially when in comparison to the mundane methods previously used by most small- and large-scale farmers. For instance, ICT devices such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) also referred to as drones, are increasingly being deployed for remote sensing missions where they capture high quality spatial resolution images. The data generated by these UAVs provide much needed information that aids in early spotting of soil degradation, crop conditions, severity of weed infestation and overall monitoring of crop yield variability. This enables farmers to acquire on-the-spot information that will enhance decision making within a short period of time, which will in turn contribute to reduction in running cost and potentially increase yield. It is safe to say that full potentials of drones are yet to be fully utilized in the Nigerian agricultural sector. This is due to several factors; most notably are the numerous challenges that accompany the introduction and adoption of much new technologies. Other factors; include high cost of technology, inadequate or total lack of skilled labour, poor awareness and low-farmer literacy. Therefore, this review work highlights the global progress recorded as a result of the recent application of drones for soil management and efficient crop production. Furthermore, key discussions surrounding the application of drones for precision agriculture and the possible drawbacks facing the deployment of such technology in Nigeria has been covered in this work.

Sensors key to advances in precision agriculture

Sensor Review ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Normalised Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Physical And Chemical Variables ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Agricultural Machines

Purpose This study aims to illustrate the growing role that sensors play in agriculture, with an emphasis on precision agricultural practices. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this study first provides an overview of agricultural measurements and applications. It then discusses the importance of airborne and land-based optical sensing techniques and the role of the normalised difference vegetation index. Sensors used on conventional and robotic agricultural machines are considered next, and fixed sensors and sensor networks are then discussed. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings This shows that much modern agriculture is a high-technology business which relies on a multitude of sensor-based measurements. Sensors are based on a diversity of optical and other technologies and measure a wide range of physical and chemical variables. They are deployed in the air, on agricultural machines and in the field and generate data that can be used to enhance productivity and reduce both costs and the impact on the environment. Originality/value This provides a detailed insight into the important role played by sensors in modern agricultural practices.

Environmental Benefits of Precision Agriculture Adoption

2020 ◽  
pp. 637-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Medici ◽  
Søren Marcus Pedersen ◽  
Giacomo Carli ◽  
Maria Rita Tagliaventi
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Herbicide Application ◽  
Pesticide Application ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Biodiversity Policy ◽  
Lime Application

The purpose of this study is to analyse the environmental benefits of precision agriculture technology adoption obtained from the mitigation of negative environmental impacts of agricultural inputs in modern farming. Our literature review of the environmental benefits related to the adoption of precision agriculture solutions is aimed at raising farmers' and other stakeholders' awareness of the actual environmental impacts from this set of new technologies. Existing studies were categorised according to the environmental impacts of different agricultural activities: nitrogen application, lime application, pesticide application, manure application and herbicide application. Our findings highlighted the effects of the reduction of input application rates and the consequent impacts on climate, soil, water and biodiversity. Policy makers can benefit from the outcomes of this study developing an understanding of the environmental impact of precision agriculture in order to promote and support initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable agriculture.

scholarly journals Urban Fire Severity and Vegetation Dynamics in Southern California

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Lauren E. H. Mathews ◽  
Alicia M. Kinoshita
Keyword(s):  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Fire Severity ◽  
Satellite Image ◽  
Burn Severity ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Riparian Areas ◽  
The Impact

A combination of satellite image indices and in-field observations was used to investigate the impact of fuel conditions, fire behavior, and vegetation regrowth patterns, altered by invasive riparian vegetation. Satellite image metrics, differenced normalized burn severity (dNBR) and differenced normalized difference vegetation index (dNDVI), were approximated for non-native, riparian, or upland vegetation for traditional timeframes (0-, 1-, and 3-years) after eleven urban fires across a spectrum of invasive vegetation cover. Larger burn severity and loss of green canopy (NDVI) was detected for riparian areas compared to the uplands. The presence of invasive vegetation affected the distribution of burn severity and canopy loss detected within each fire. Fires with native vegetation cover had a higher severity and resulted in larger immediate loss of canopy than fires with substantial amounts of non-native vegetation. The lower burn severity observed 1–3 years after the fires with non-native vegetation suggests a rapid regrowth of non-native grasses, resulting in a smaller measured canopy loss relative to native vegetation immediately after fire. This observed fire pattern favors the life cycle and perpetuation of many opportunistic grasses within urban riparian areas. This research builds upon our current knowledge of wildfire recovery processes and highlights the unique challenges of remotely assessing vegetation biophysical status within urban Mediterranean riverine systems.

scholarly journals Coastal Mangrove Response to Marine Erosion: Evaluating the Impacts of Spatial Distribution and Vegetation Growth in Bangkok Bay from 1987 to 2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Han Xiao ◽  
Fenzhen Su ◽  
Dongjie Fu ◽  
Qi Wang ◽  
Chong Huang
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Mangrove Ecosystem ◽  
Early Growth ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Human Disturbances ◽  
Vegetation Growth ◽  
Two Parameters ◽  
The Impact

Long time-series monitoring of mangroves to marine erosion in the Bay of Bangkok, using Landsat data from 1987 to 2017, shows responses including landward retreat and seaward extension. Quantitative assessment of these responses with respect to spatial distribution and vegetation growth shows differing relationships depending on mangrove growth stage. Using transects perpendicular to the shoreline, we calculated the cross-shore mangrove extent (width) to represent spatial distribution, and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was used to represent vegetation growth. Correlations were then compared between mangrove seaside changes and the two parameters—mangrove width and NDVI—at yearly and 10-year scales. Both spatial distribution and vegetation growth display positive impacts on mangrove ecosystem stability: At early growth stages, mangrove stability is positively related to spatial distribution, whereas at mature growth the impact of vegetation growth is greater. Thus, we conclude that at early growth stages, planting width and area are more critical for stability, whereas for mature mangroves, management activities should focus on sustaining vegetation health and density. This study provides new rapid insights into monitoring and managing mangroves, based on analyses of parameters from historical satellite-derived information, which succinctly capture the net effect of complex environmental and human disturbances.

scholarly journals Relationship between MODIS Derived NDVI and Yield of Cereals for Selected European Countries

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 340
Author(s):  
Ewa Panek ◽  
Dariusz Gozdowski
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Yield Prediction ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Using Data

In this study, the relationships between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) obtained based on MODIS satellite data and grain yield of all cereals, wheat and barley at a country level were analyzed. The analysis was performed by using data from 2010–2018 for 20 European countries, where percentage of cereals is high (at least 35% of the arable land). The analysis was performed for each country separately and for all of the collected data together. The relationships between NDVI and cumulative NDVI (cNDVI) were analyzed by using linear regression. Relationships between NDVI in early spring and grain yield of cereals were very strong for Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia. This means that the yield prediction for these countries can be as far back as 4 months before the harvest. The increase of NDVI in early spring was related to the increase of grain yield by about 0.5–1.6 t/ha. The cumulative of averaged NDVI gives more stable prediction of grain yield per season. For France and Belgium, the relationships between NDVI and grain yield were very weak.

scholarly journals Seasonal Variations of Daytime Land Surface Temperature and Their Underlying Drivers over Wuhan, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 323
Author(s):  
Liang Chen ◽  
Xuelei Wang ◽  
Xiaobin Cai ◽  
Chao Yang ◽  
Xiaorong Lu
Keyword(s):  
Surface Temperature ◽  
Land Surface Temperature ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Maximum Temperature Difference ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City

Rapid urbanization greatly alters land surface vegetation cover and heat distribution, leading to the development of the urban heat island (UHI) effect and seriously affecting the healthy development of cities and the comfort of living. As an indicator of urban health and livability, monitoring the distribution of land surface temperature (LST) and discovering its main impacting factors are receiving increasing attention in the effort to develop cities more sustainably. In this study, we analyzed the spatial distribution patterns of LST of the city of Wuhan, China, from 2013 to 2019. We detected hot and cold poles in four seasons through clustering and outlier analysis (based on Anselin local Moran’s I) of LST. Furthermore, we introduced the geographical detector model to quantify the impact of six physical and socio-economic factors, including the digital elevation model (DEM), index-based built-up index (IBI), modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), population, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the LST distribution of Wuhan. Finally, to identify the influence of land cover on temperature, the LST of croplands, woodlands, grasslands, and built-up areas was analyzed. The results showed that low temperatures are mainly distributed over water and woodland areas, followed by grasslands; high temperatures are mainly concentrated over built-up areas. The maximum temperature difference between land covers occurs in spring and summer, while this difference can be ignored in winter. MNDWI, IBI, and NDVI are the key driving factors of the thermal values change in Wuhan, especially of their interaction. We found that the temperature of water area and urban green space (woodlands and grasslands) tends to be 5.4 °C and 2.6 °C lower than that of built-up areas. Our research results can contribute to the urban planning and urban greening of Wuhan and promote the healthy and sustainable development of the city.

scholarly journals Assessment of Rangeland Degradation in New Mexico Using Time Series Segmentation and Residual Trend Analysis (TSS-RESTREND)

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1618
Author(s):  
Melakeneh G. Gedefaw ◽  
Hatim M. E. Geli ◽  
Temesgen Alemayehu Abera
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
New Mexico ◽  
Trend Analysis ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Rangeland Management ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Drought Severity ◽  
Assessment Framework ◽  
Rangeland Degradation

Rangelands provide significant socioeconomic and environmental benefits to humans. However, climate variability and anthropogenic drivers can negatively impact rangeland productivity. The main goal of this study was to investigate structural and productivity changes in rangeland ecosystems in New Mexico (NM), in the southwestern United States of America during the 1984–2015 period. This goal was achieved by applying the time series segmented residual trend analysis (TSS-RESTREND) method, using datasets of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from the Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies and precipitation from Parameter elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM), and developing an assessment framework. The results indicated that about 17.6% and 12.8% of NM experienced a decrease and an increase in productivity, respectively. More than half of the state (55.6%) had insignificant change productivity, 10.8% was classified as indeterminant, and 3.2% was considered as agriculture. A decrease in productivity was observed in 2.2%, 4.5%, and 1.7% of NM’s grassland, shrubland, and ever green forest land cover classes, respectively. Significant decrease in productivity was observed in the northeastern and southeastern quadrants of NM while significant increase was observed in northwestern, southwestern, and a small portion of the southeastern quadrants. The timing of detected breakpoints coincided with some of NM’s drought events as indicated by the self-calibrated Palmar Drought Severity Index as their number increased since 2000s following a similar increase in drought severity. Some breakpoints were concurrent with some fire events. The combination of these two types of disturbances can partly explain the emergence of breakpoints with degradation in productivity. Using the breakpoint assessment framework developed in this study, the observed degradation based on the TSS-RESTREND showed only 55% agreement with the Rangeland Productivity Monitoring Service (RPMS) data. There was an agreement between the TSS-RESTREND and RPMS on the occurrence of significant degradation in productivity over the grasslands and shrublands within the Arizona/NM Tablelands and in the Chihuahua Desert ecoregions, respectively. This assessment of NM’s vegetation productivity is critical to support the decision-making process for rangeland management; address challenges related to the sustainability of forage supply and livestock production; conserve the biodiversity of rangelands ecosystems; and increase their resilience. Future analysis should consider the effects of rising temperatures and drought on rangeland degradation and productivity.

scholarly journals A Case Study about the Use of Precision Agriculture Technology Applied to a Zn Biofortification Workflow for Grapevine Vitis vinifera cv Moscatel

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Diana Daccak ◽  
Inês Carmo Luís ◽  
Ana Coelho Marques ◽  
Ana Rita F. Coelho ◽  
Cláudia Campos Pessoa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitis Vinifera ◽  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Smart Farming ◽  
Reduced Surface

As the human population is growing worldwide, the food demand is sharply increasing. Following this assumption, strategies to enhance the food production are being explored, namely, smart farming, for monitoring crops during the production cycle. In this study, a vineyard of Vitis vinifera cv. Moscatel located in Palmela (N 38°35′47.113′′ O 8°40′46.651) was submitted to a Zn biofortification workflow, through foliar application of zinc oxide (ZnO) or zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) (at a concentration of 60% and 90%—900 g·ha−1 and 1350 g·ha−1, respectively). The field morphology and vigor of the vineyard was performed through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) images (assessed with altimetric measurement sensors), synchronized by GPS. Drainage capacity and slopes showed one-third of the field with reduced surface drainage and a maximum variation of 0.80 m between the extremes (almost flat), respectively. The NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) values reflected a greater vigor in treated grapes with treatment SZn90 showing a higher value. These data were interpolated with mineral content, monitored with atomic absorption analysis (showing a 1.3-fold increase for the biofortification index). It was concluded that the used technologies furnishes specific target information in real time about the crops production.

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