Module 7: Precision Agriculture and Drone Technology
Unit 7.2.4: Sensor Data Collection
Biomarker-based detection methods can be highly specific and sensitive, allowing for the rapid and accurate identification of soil-borne pathogens, even in cases where symptoms are not yet visible.
Detecting soil-borne illness biomarkers involves identifying specific molecules or proteins that are produced by soil-borne pathogens, which can serve as diagnostic indicators for the presence of these pathogens in the soil.
We use two types of hyperspectral sensors and RGB cameras for monitoring the soil. Hyperspectral Sensors → Spectral sensors work by measuring the reflectance of light by plants in different wavelengths, which can provide information on plant health and nutrient levels.
Spectral sensors can be compared to a prism that separates light into its different colors. By measuring the reflectance of light by plants in different wavelengths, spectral sensors can provide information on plant health and nutrient levels, helping to identify areas of the field that may be at risk of disease.
This sensor shoots down light and can differentiate high precision light measurements. By picking out different light properties, it can identify areas with more water content, which may lead to the detection of soil-borne illnesses. Hyperspectral analysis can detect different types of light based on the different properties in the ground and identify hot spots or darker areas where soil-borne illnesses are more likely to be found.
Specific Biomarkers Terra Drone’s hyperspectral sensors will be focusing on: 1. Changes in chlorophyll content — Soil-borne pathogens cause chlorosis or a reduction in chlorophyll levels in infected plants, which can be detected through changes in spectral reflectance. 2. Fungal spores — Soil-borne fungi produce characteristic spores that can be detected through their unique spectral signatures. 3. Nitrogen content — Changes in soil nitrogen content indicate the presence of certain soil-borne pathogens, such as Fusarium species. 4. Plant stress responses — Some soil-borne pathogens can induce stress responses in infected plants, such as the production of certain secondary metabolites or changes in gene expression patterns, which could be detected through hyperspectral imaging.
This can be used to detect the presence of pathogens or nutrient deficiencies that can contribute to the spread of soil-borne diseases. For example, changes in reflectance patterns can indicate the presence of chlorosis, which is a symptom of nutrient deficiencyHyperspectral sensors can measure various parameters, such as soil moisture, soil temperature, and soil texture. Providing a comprehensive approach to detecting soil-borne illnesses at an early stage.
RBG cameras → RGB cameras are used to capture high-resolution images of plants and soil from the drone’s perspective.
RGB cameras capture information within the visible light spectrum, which is useful for identifying visual symptoms of soil-borne illnesses, such as yellowing or wilting of leaves. RGB images are used in conjunction with other sensor data, such as hyperspectral to provide a more comprehensive analysis of soil and plant health.
