Spectral indices for precise agriculture monitoring

Abstract

This paper presents two main objectives of a multi‐year study applying remote sensing to precision agriculture: (1) developing new spectral indices for wheat monitoring, and (2) producing an interpretation key for mapping vegetation features with spectral indices. Agricultural monitoring with remote sensing utilizes and maps the spectral reflection of specific vegetation features. These are the indicators of plant development and crop condition. Over the years, a number of spectral indices have been developed, but the ultimate combination of information required by the farmer, and the capability of remote sensing to map this information, has not yet been achieved. The study, which lasted three years and was performed simultaneously, collected vegetation and remote‐sensing data. The study aimed to improve the current abilities of remotely sensed agriculture monitoring. Indices were developed relating to various features of wheat. These indices map the current conditions of the crop, such as nitrogen in the leaves, and predict the yield. Evaluation of these indices, and already known indices, shows that each can be used to map different crop variables.