Examining optimal input efficiency in Cotton Fields
Exciting update for all fellow farmers and agriculture enthusiasts!
We are thrilled to bring you an exciting update, where groundbreaking research is revolutionising the way we optimise input use efficiency in cotton fields. This update comes from a recent study that was conducted and presented by the Augmenta team during the 14th European Conference on Precision Agriculture, via an engaging poster presentation!
In this study, conducted over three consecutive years in cotton fields across Greece, the Augmenta team focused on examining the incredible potential of Variable Rate Application (VRA) using a state-of-the-art multispectral camera system. The goal was to leverage this technology to deliver inputs precisely where and when they were needed, without the need for additional calibration.
The cutting-edge multispectral camera system, mounted on a tractor or self-propelled sprayer, captured data from different channels, including Red and Infrared, to generate a Vegetation Index known as NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). This index served as the foundation for real-time VRA operations, which were performed as the farmer drove through the field.
During the trials, the Augmenta team gathered a wealth of data, including Vegetation Index maps, Application maps, and environmental conditions, among other valuable metrics. These datasets were then compared to yield data and physical measurements taken both before and after each application. The results were truly remarkable!
By delivering the optimal amount of inputs precisely where they were required, the study achieved significant input savings of up to 20%, while maintaining unimpeded productivity. This breakthrough has immense implications for farmers, as it translates to increased income and reduced environmental footprint.
Thanks to the Augmenta team’s presentation at the 14th European Conference on Precision Agriculture, the remarkable findings of this study have reached a wider audience. The integration of VRA with the multispectral camera system not only streamlines operations but also ensures that every resource is utilised in an environmentally conscious manner.
It’s inspiring to witness how cutting-edge technology presented by the Augmenta team can make such a positive impact on agriculture! The QuantiFarm project continues to push boundaries, unlocking new possibilities for sustainable and efficient farming practices.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we embark on this journey of agricultural transformation!