Management of fertilizer application is essential for wheat production and environmental safety. The objective of the practice is to reduce fertilizer losses and optimize efficiency of fertigated wheat crops. The use of drone imaging for fertilization is a procedure which is used to locate where the field needs more or less fertilizer application to optimize the use of the fertilizer and avoid leaching and run-off. The procedure starts by taking images of the field from a drone which can be analysed in a computer by using GIS programs, such as ArcGIS, where vegetation index maps indicate essential information can be created, aiming to detect which plants have higher or lower needs of fertilization. Subsequently, for the information received, a spraying drone can apply the correct doses of fertilizer in every spot in the field. The technical part of the procedure can also be implemented by a company with experience in this sector. Finally, the benefits of this practice are the mitigation of the leaching and run-off of the fertilizer which results in providing environmental protection and saving fertilizer costs, as well as an increase in the yield of the wheat.
Crop sensing technology method to optimize fertilization in wheat
Content Author: AUA