In-field variability detection and spatial yield modeling for corn using digital aerial imaging

S. Gopalapillai, L. Tian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

High-resolution color infrared (CIR) images acquired with an airborne digital camera were used to detect in field spatial variability in soil type, crop nutrient stress, and to analyze spatial variability in yield. Images were processed using an unsupervised learning (clustering) method. The clustered images were geo-referenced, and spatially analyzed using a GIS package. The image patterns in a processed image of bare soil matched well with soil type map with 76% accuracy. The CIR images of a cornfield indicated nitrogen stress areas from 75 days after planting (DAP). The CIR reflectance was better correlated to the yield after pollination of corn compared to the early images. The spatial variation in yield was linearly correlated to the spatial variation of individual reflectance bands (NIR, R, and G) as well as normalized intensity (NI) of CIR image. Spatial yield models on uncalibrated reflectance bands of image could predict 76 to 96% of yield variation in each field. A linear regression model on NI developed from one field image predicted yield with an accuracy of 55 to 91% in different fields and seasons. Digital aerial imaging proves to be a promising tool for obtaining spatial in-field variability in the crop field for site-specific management and yield prediction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1911-1920
Number of pages10
JournalTransactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers
Volume42
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1999

Keywords

  • Color infrared image
  • GIS
  • In-field spatial variability
  • Nutrient stress
  • Soil type
  • Yield model

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'In-field variability detection and spatial yield modeling for corn using digital aerial imaging'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this