Estimation of the Parameters of the State of Agrocenoses Based on Remote Sensing Data

Abstract

Objective:The purpose of this study is to substantiate the method and means of forming estimates of the physical parameters of the state of agrocenoses, including the main agricultural crops and weeds. These physical parameters include biomass parameters, the estimates of which will be used to address the technological issues of future agriculture management.Methods: With consideration of the differences in the physical dimension of information, a method for integrating ground-based measurements and earth remote sensing data is proposed by the joint use of a mathematical model of the dynamics of agrocenoses biomass state parameters and a model for the relationship between the calculated state parameters and remote sensing data. Spatial coordinates are the main feature of the mathematical models used, and the task of assessment is divided into the task of forming average field estimates of the parameters of the state of agrocenoses and their spatial correction for elementary sections of the field using a linear corrector.Results: An algorithm for estimating the parameters of the state of agrocenosis according to remote sensing data was developed, which was implemented in a specialized computer program. Original sources of information were employed to ensure sufficient accuracy and reliability of the assessment. Ground measurements were used to identify and adapt mathematical models, including data from stationary remote sensing devices, and a mobile remote sensing tool was used to estimate the parameters of the biomass of agrocenoses over the entire area of the field. Conclusion:The proposed method and the algorithm for its implementation ensure the stability of the estimation process with an error in assessing the biomass of agrocenoses being ±10%. The current research has been carried out over the past 10 years in the experimental fields of the Menkovsky branch of the Agrophysical Institute, within the framework of the thematic plan of the Agrophysical Institute in the scientific direction of "Precision Farming".