Remote sensing has become the factor that has brought agriculture to a new level. The development of this technology and new opportunities associated with it benefits a lot. In addition, thanks to remote sensing, many other tools, indispensable for a wide range of human activities, have appeared, including GIS software.
It is vital as the world’s population grows. Agriculture needs to increase production to meet future demand for its products. However, remote sensing also plays an essential role in the development of sustainable agriculture.
The evolution of remote sensing
In agriculture, remote sensing has been used relatively recently. However, this technology was invented in the mid-19th century. People with primitive, bulky cameras rose into the sky in balloons for observation, later used in the First World War to plan artillery strikes and other purposes.
Then the technology developed rapidly, improved aircraft appeared, and cameras became smaller and lighter. Remote sensing systems are effective in a variety of areas, including construction, archeology, and mining. Thanks to satellites, it became possible to solve a wide range of problems.
The list of these problems includes both environmental issues and land use and food security. The advances in remote sensing have a lot to do with advances in other technologies, including increased computing power, machine learning, mobile technology, robotics, and more. The geospatial industry has also undergone a significant transformation thanks to the proliferation of GPS, smartphones, and mapping services.
Today, more than two billion people use remote sensing data as well as geospatial datasets. Datasets include GPS technologies, GIS, and others. Geospatial solutions are also an integral part of modern economies around the world, according to reports.
The potential of remote sensing
Modern devices are highly beneficial as they can measure radiation, heat, and light. Measuring instruments detect different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. Equipment is also becoming more affordable as it is no longer cumbersome. The popularity of commercial drones in agriculture also grows. These devices provide a range of new opportunities for farmers due to the development of geographic information systems. GIS technology allows organizing and analyzing data from the fields based on the manufacturer’s needs.
Remote sensing devices contribute to improved analysis of growing conditions and planning. In addition, field-mounted sensors can help prevent disease or pest damage to crops and the spread of weeds before the plants are seriously damaged. Farmers receive data and information about threats and the ability to take appropriate action.
In addition, with the help of sensors, you can count the plants, assess their condition and the quality and quantity of the crop. Various sensors are available to perform these functions, selected based on the grower’s needs. Sensors can be divided into different types: ground, air, and satellite. They can also be installed on agricultural machinery or located separately in the field. Aerial sensors allow farmers to see the picture from a bird’s eye view. They can be attached to the aircraft, which is a more affordable option. Another option for their use is uncrewed aerial vehicles. However, the capabilities of these sensors may be limited by weather conditions.
Satellite sensors provide even more possibilities, providing monitoring of crops over large areas. Thanks to them, you can effectively assess the condition of the crop, losses, and potential profits. The history of using satellite sensors began with the military, but these systems have also benefited agriculture. In many countries, governments have made satellite imagery free to use, helping improve agricultural practices.
Functions of remote sensing in agriculture
Remote sensing provides an understanding of soil conditions and types, which helps select the most suitable plants. In addition, this technology offers the ability to obtain information about the upcoming weather conditions so that you can take timely measures to protect the crop. Remotely sensed forecasts provide farmers with valuable information on what to plant and when to harvest.
The essential function of this technology is also to determine the needs of crops for irrigation. Farmers can get data on soil moisture in advance, select the appropriate plants for which the conditions in the field are suitable. In this way, you can also plan your watering.
Remote sensing allows you to monitor the state of crops at all stages of development and more accurately predict the yield. At the same time, you can assess the historical quality of land and observe changes to track changes in a specific area. This function can help keep the soil from degradation as a result of cultivation.
Small farmers and large agro-industrial enterprises can enjoy the benefits of remote sensing. They can monitor their farms constantly to eliminate threats and save crops wherever the farms are located. This technology allows all agribusiness participants to improve planning and get reliable forecasts to avoid unpleasant surprises and losses.