Author
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Ojala, John |
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Submitted to: Proceedings California Plant and Soil Conference Farming in Crisis
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 2/2/2003 Publication Date: 2/2/2003 Citation: OJALA, J.C. LIMITS AND BENEFITS OF REMOTE SENSING TECHNOLOGY. PROCEEDINGS CALIFORNIA PLANT AND SOIL CONFERENCE FARMING IN CRISIS. 2003. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Remote sensing is a promising method to characterize and spatially identify specific field agronomic conditions on a routine basis. Remote images provide extensive information about within-field spatial variability campared to traditional field scouting methods. Remote images are readily modified into field application maps for use in precision crop management and for variable rate application of fertilizer, soil amendment, pesticide, and cultural farming inputs. Several methods are available to unmix spectra and estimate specific crop conditions and soil properties. A brief overview of reflectance properties of plants and soils, ratio methods for unmixing spectral information, and agronomic properties that can be estimated by remote sensing are presented. On-farm trials indicate that remote images can be successfully utilized for precision applications by commercial farm operations. Limitations that hinder adoption of remote images for production agriculture include data availability (processing, timing delivery), scale, image interpretation, and uncertainty in cost/benefit. |
