Growth Monitoring Of Horticulture Crops Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Part 1) - Field Monitoring Of Potatoes

Background: Precision agricultural techniques using information such as precise crop growth conditions in fields have attracted attention recently. One technique uses remote sensing methods for field monitoring. Remote sensing for agriculture using satellites and aircraft has been used widely. Actually pilotless remote sensing is anticipated for use with test fields. Therefore, we investigated field monitoring techniques using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to obtain horticulture crop information. Methods: In 2016, aerial images were taken on July 12, 24, and 31. For sensing tests, potato plants were set on 11 test blocks on July 31. Image analysis was done using a composite photograph of an Ortho image comprising about 150 aerial photographic images. Results and conclusion: Composite aerial photographs of the Ortho image showed potato leaf etiolation and differences of vegetation. The G/R ratio of aerial images decreased as the plant stage advanced. This monitoring system can elucidate potato field plant conditions from aerial photographic images that include information about test blocks.