Module 7: Precision Agriculture and Drone Technology
Unit 7.2.3: How can drone technology help?
How can drone technology help?
Drones can be equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors can revolutionize the way farmers and researchers approach agriculture. With the ability to collect detailed data on soil-borne illness biomarkers such as soil moisture, nutrient levels, it makes drones a powerful tool for identifying areas of soil contamination and taking preventative actions.
These drones monitor crop growth and health, enabling farmers to optimize yields while reducing the risk of soil-borne illnesses. Through the use of precision farming techniques like these, we can reduce the use of harmful chemicals, improve soil health, and promote sustainable agriculture practices that protect public health and the environment.
There are 4 steps Terra carries out to mass effectively detect soil-borne illnesses in local or industrial farms.
Sensor data collection → Drones equipped with high-tech sensors and cameras are flown over farmland to capture detailed images and data on soil moisture levels, nutrient content, and pH levels, among other key factors affecting soil quality.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis → The data collected by the drones is analyzed using GIS to map and analyze soil characteristics, such as pH levels, organic matter content, and nutrient distribution, which can help identify areas of potential contamination.
Computer vision analysis → Computer vision algorithms are used to analyze drone-captured images to detect changes in plant health, which can indicate the presence of soil-borne pathogens.
Durability and Design → Solar panels are used to power the drones, reducing their reliance on non-renewable energy sources and enabling longer flight times and more extensive data collection.