The aim of the project was to explore possibilities of using remote sensing methods in the form of drone and satellite imaging to predict yield quantity and quality in silage swards.
The ultimate goal of this research is that farmers have access to practical and useful services utilizing modern technology (remote sensing and artificial intelligence) to help in their silage production management. The project studied and demonstrates the possibilities of remote sensing methods to predict yield quantity and quality in silage swards.
Crop growth models together with weather forecasts were utilized to predict the changes in the sward yield quantity and quality. The main emphases of the project consortia were to show how this method of yield estimation would operate as part of the digital farming services offered by several companies for crop management.
The project was part of the Interreg Botnia Atlantica Programme from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Remote sensing enables monitoring of a field based on the analysis of its spectral signature. In this project we used optical and radar satellites to monitor biomass and detect harvesting events.
Photo (by Julien Morel) A depiction of satellite remote sensing. Light from the sun reflects of the vegetation and is sensed by the satellite.
Download link to pdf: “Presentation on Cybergrass satellite work package, 21 September 2022”
Drones with simple (RGB) and multispectral cameras were used to fly over ley crops before harvest. Forage samples were taken and analysed for quality. The data will be used to develop models to link the images and forage quality. The ultimate goal is developing methods for informing decision making on when the farmer should harvest a field.
Photo (by Benjamin Bollhöner) description: A person flying a drone over a ley field
Crop growth models in combination with weather forecasts are being developed to predict the changes in the sward yield quantity and quality.
Figure (by David Parsons)
A depiction of crop modelling processes. Solar radiation drives photosynthesis with results in biomass growth, and consequently increases yield. Temperature drives phenological development, which in turns affects forage quality.
Download link to pdf: “Presentation on Cybergrass crop modelling work package, 21 September 2022”