The role of spectroscopy in promoting precision agriculture solutions WEBINAR

24 March 2022
SPEAKER: Prof Abdul M. Mouazen (Ghent University), SIEUSOIL scientific coordinator

Proximal soil sensing, together with remote sensing technologies have shown to be valuable tools in precision agriculture. Other spectroscopy techniques, like visible and near infrared, is proven as the best candidate for in situ and on-line sensing modes, enabling large amount of data to be captured per unit area. When fused with crop and auxiliary data, recommendations for variable rate applications can be optimized for maximum crop yield and minimum environmental footprint. Even though advanced sensing, modelling and control technologies have been developed and are successfully demonstrated in arable farming, the adoption rate of precision agriculture technologies is still limited, because of scattered results on the socio-economic and environmental benefits. The potential of spectroscopy applications to optimize recommendations for variable rate applications will be presented. A gross margin range between 50 – 400 EUR/ha was calculated for variable rate fertilization, manure application and seeding in cereals and potato production systems. These proven economic profits are essential to increase farmers interest in adopting precision agriculture solutions in the short and mid-terms. Environmental benefits are also possible, particularly for variable rate manure applications and fertilization.

The webinar will demonstrate how field spectroscopy plays a key role in achieving these targets
with clear societal impacts.