Chapter 6

Remote Sensing in Precision Agriculture

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing

Multispectral images have been widely used in agriculture to retrieve various crop and soil attributes, such as crop chlorophyll content, biomass, yield, and soil degradation. However, due to the limitations in spectral resolution, the accuracy of the retrieved variables is often limited, and early signals of crop stresses (e.g., nutrient deficiency, crop disease) cannot be effectively detected in a timely manner. Hyperspectral sensors have emerged as a promising tool for precision agriculture (PA). Hyperspectral sensors, like multispectral imaging, cover a broad electromagnetic spectrum but can operate across tens or hundreds of much narrower bands. The electromagnetic spectrum can start with UV light, extend through the visible spectrum, and end in the near or short-wave infrared.

Applications of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing in Precision Agriculture

Hyperspectral sensing is a game-changer in precision agriculture due to its ability to capture detailed spectral information across hundreds of narrow bands. This allows for fine-tuned analysis that goes way beyond what multispectral sensing can offer. Hyperspectral sensing allows for early detection of crop stress. It can detect subtle changes in plant reflectance due to stress (e.g., drought, nutrient deficiency, disease, pests) before they’re visible to the eye, allowing farmers to take proactive action—such as targeted irrigation or pesticide application—before yield is impacted.

Limitations of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing in Precision Agriculture

Unlike multispectral images, hyperspectral images capture a broad light spectrum using hundreds or thousands of narrow bandwidths.

Click on the following topics for more information on remote rensing in precision agriculture.