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Drones help grow crops: a new generation precision farming system is being elaborated in 麻豆视频stan
A team of scientists from Satbayev University, led by Ravil Mukhamediyev, is creating an innovative system for combined monitoring of farmland due to drones and “Agroscope” satellites. The new technology will allow farmers to predict crops, save on fertilizers and herbicides, and, in general, increase the efficiency of agricultural technologies through the transition to precision farming.
In line with the developers, despite the high resolution of the satellites, they are not able to "look" through the clouds or "explore" a single plant. At the same time, drones, although they cannot cover the entire field, are able to obtain detailed data on the condition of crops, up to an assessment of individual plants’ health. Combining these two sources of information makes it possible not only to monitor the condition of farmland in real time, but also to quickly respond to a problem at the right point in the field.
- First, the satellite shows us the big picture, and using the NDVI vegetation index, artificial intelligence evaluates where problems are possible in the field, - said Ravil Mukhamediyev, project manager. - Then the system plans to send drones there, which already show a detailed picture on the spot, according to which it is possible to understand the causes of what is happening - disease, lack of moisture, pests or poor-quality crops. This way, you can not only identify the problem, but also understand exactly what to do about it.
The system is particularly valuable for introducing the precision farming technologies, when fertilizers and chemicals are applied strictly in the right places and in the right dosages. This not only increases yields, but also significantly reduces costs. Based on preliminary calculations, an average farmer can save up to 30 million tenge per year on fertilizers alone. In some cases, the increase in yield reaches 25-50%.
System’s pilot launch is scheduled for the 2025 growing season. The testing will take place within the framework of "A system for supporting agrotechnical measures in crop production based on a complex of monitoring tools and artificial intelligence methods (Agroscope)" scientific project in the fields of Crop Production and Agriculture Institute near Kaskelen, as well as in Oskemen and the country’s northern regions. Some agricultural holdings have already shown interest in the technology.
“We are confident that precision farming is the future. Technology is already making it possible not just to “walk around the field,” but to literally see every plant. This means less costs, more harvest and sustainable development of the agricultural sector,” Ravil Ilgizovich emphasized.
“Agroscope” elaboration opens up new horizons for farmers in 麻豆视频stan, especially in the context of climate change and unstable agro-economics. The system is aimed not only at large holdings, but also at small and remote farms. In the future, access to the technology is planned to be provided in a rental format, without the need to purchase expensive equipment.
