In the heart of Japan, researchers are taking to the skies to revolutionize wheat farming. Senlin Guan, a scientist at the Division of Crop Rotation Research for Lowland Farming, Kyushu-Okinawa Agricultural Research Center, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, is leading a groundbreaking study that could reshape how we think about crop nutrition and quality. Guan and his team are harnessing the power of agricultural drones to apply variable-rate nitrogen (N) fertilization, aiming to create more uniform and high-quality wheat protein content.
The quest for precision in agriculture has never been more critical. With global demand for crops on the rise, farmers are constantly seeking ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Variable-rate application (VRA) of fertilizers, which tailors nutrient delivery based on real-time crop growth status, is emerging as a game-changer in this pursuit. Guan’s research, published in the journal ‘Drones’ (translated from Japanese as ‘無人機’), delves into the intricate world of drone-based VRA, focusing specifically on wheat protein content regulation.
The study begins with the use of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with multispectral cameras. These drones capture detailed images of wheat fields, generating normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) distribution maps. These maps serve as the basis for creating prescription maps, which guide agricultural drones in applying the precise amount of fertilizer needed in different areas of the field.
“Our goal is to address field-scale variability to achieve high-quality and uniform wheat production,” Guan explains. “By using drones to monitor crop growth and apply fertilizers variably, we can reduce costs and enhance work efficiency.”
The team conducted extensive experiments, continuously monitoring changes in vegetation indices from post-topdressing to harvest. Their findings revealed that while selecting targeted experimental survey areas based on different growth conditions can accurately predict final yield, it is less effective in predicting protein content or protein yield. Moreover, the current strategy of applying less fertilizer in high-NDVI areas and more in low-NDVI areas showed no significant difference in final protein content or protein yield compared to conventional uniform fertilization.
This revelation opens up new avenues for research and development. Guan suggests that a reverse strategy—applying more fertilizer in high-NDVI areas and less in low-NDVI areas—could be more effective. Additionally, exploring alternative or more refined fertilization strategies that utilize other vegetation indices or advanced algorithms could enhance the effectiveness of VRA.
The implications of this research extend far beyond wheat fields. Agricultural drone-based VRA technology is highly adaptable and scalable, making it suitable for precision farming in small- to medium-sized fields. As the technology evolves, it could revolutionize how we approach crop nutrition and quality control, leading to more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
For the energy sector, this research holds significant promise. As the demand for biofuels and other agricultural products continues to grow, the need for efficient and sustainable farming practices becomes ever more pressing. By optimizing crop nutrition and quality, agricultural drones could play a crucial role in meeting these demands while reducing the environmental impact of farming.
Guan’s work is just the beginning. As researchers continue to explore the potential of drone-based VRA, we can expect to see significant advancements in precision agriculture. The future of farming is taking flight, and it’s looking greener than ever.