Researchers Have Developed a Device That Analyzes Fertilizer
Colin Smith — January 24, 2022 — Tech
References: aces.illinois.edu & modernfarmer
A team of scientists and researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a small hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy sensor device named the 'ASD FieldSpec 4.' This device was used in tests by the university to measure plants at different stages of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis was used as a measuring target because plants have different levels of fertilization during the photosynthesis process.
Following this test, the researchers developed an algorithm for the ASD FieldSpec 4 that utilizes hyperspectral data to provide information on nitrogen levels. The combination of this algorithm and the high-sensitivity sensors led to the researchers placing the ASD FieldSpec 4 on a plane and performing three few fly-bys of cornfields. This experiment bore great results as the planes were still able to gather significant information on fertilizer and nitrogen levels even when flying 500 meters above a cornfield.
These scientific measuring tools can be beneficial for assessing the level of fertilization in farms to determine if plants are too fertilized or not fertilized enough, which is one of the largest issues in the agricultural industry today.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Following this test, the researchers developed an algorithm for the ASD FieldSpec 4 that utilizes hyperspectral data to provide information on nitrogen levels. The combination of this algorithm and the high-sensitivity sensors led to the researchers placing the ASD FieldSpec 4 on a plane and performing three few fly-bys of cornfields. This experiment bore great results as the planes were still able to gather significant information on fertilizer and nitrogen levels even when flying 500 meters above a cornfield.
These scientific measuring tools can be beneficial for assessing the level of fertilization in farms to determine if plants are too fertilized or not fertilized enough, which is one of the largest issues in the agricultural industry today.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Trend Themes
1. Aerial Hyperspectral Plant Monitoring - The ASD FieldSpec 4 device provides an opportunity for aerial monitoring and analysis of plants using hyperspectral data, offering a solution for precision agriculture.
2. AI-powered Fertilizer Optimization - The algorithm developed by researchers can be further enhanced with machine learning to optimize fertilizer application, creating an opportunity for AI and agriculture convergence.
3. Drone-based Crop Health Analysis - The success of the fly-bys using the ASD FieldSpec 4 on a plane shows the potential for crop health analysis using drones, creating a new market for drone services in agriculture.
Industry Implications
1. Precision Agriculture - The ASD FieldSpec 4 device offers precision and efficiency in fertilizer assessment for crop management, creating opportunities in precision agriculture.
2. Aerospace and Aviation - Integration of hyperspectral imaging sensors with planes and other aerial vehicles offers new opportunities in aerospace and aviation industry for data analysis services.
3. Artificial Intelligence - The potential of AI in optimizing fertilizer applications using hyperspectral data provides an opportunity for AI to enter the agriculture industry.
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