The use of qualitative airborne multispectral imaging for managing agricultural crops - a case study in south-eastern Australia

Abstract

Charles Sturt University has operated an airborne multispectral imaging system as a research support and management tool over south-eastern Australian crops since 1994. Our experiences have demonstrated the utility, timeliness and cost-effectiveness of qualitative multispectral imagery for monitoring and managing spatial variability in a range of agricultural crops, yet to date the technology remains underutilised in Australia. Images showing variations in the texture of soils in paddocks are a useful indicator of the location of different soil zones for soil sampling, and can assist in siting of treatment plots within paddocks. Multispectral imagery can be used for a synoptic assessment of early weed pressure in fallow paddocks or seedling crops. Locating variability in crop emergence and, later, canopy vigour and biomass, are all potentially means of undertaking precision farming without the capital investment associated with yield mapping. However, like any remote monitoring tool, follow-up ground-truthing must always be used to establish or confirm the causes of observed variability. The use of the technology as part of a greater data acquisition strategy is recommended.