252 research outputs found

    New strategies for row-crop management based on cost-effective remote sensors

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    Agricultural technology can be an excellent antidote to resource scarcity. Its growth has led to the extensive study of spatial and temporal in-field variability. The challenge of accurate management has been addressed in recent years through the use of accurate high-cost measurement instruments by researchers. However, low rates of technological adoption by farmers motivate the development of alternative technologies based on affordable sensors, in order to improve the sustainability of agricultural biosystems. This doctoral thesis has as main objective the development and evaluation of systems based on affordable sensors, in order to address two of the main aspects affecting the producers: the need of an accurate plant water status characterization to perform a proper irrigation management and the precise weed control. To address the first objective, two data acquisition methodologies based on aerial platforms have been developed, seeking to compare the use of infrared thermometry and thermal imaging to determine the water status of two most relevant row-crops in the region, sugar beet and super high-density olive orchards. From the data obtained, the use of an airborne low-cost infrared sensor to determine the canopy temperature has been validated. Also the reliability of sugar beet canopy temperature as an indicator its of water status has been confirmed. The empirical development of the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) has also been carried out from aerial thermal imaging combined with infrared temperature sensors and ground measurements of factors such as water potential or stomatal conductance, validating its usefulness as an indicator of water status in super high-density olive orchards. To contribute to the development of precise weed control systems, a system for detecting tomato plants and measuring the space between them has been developed, aiming to perform intra-row treatments in a localized and precise way. To this end, low cost optical sensors have been used and compared with a commercial LiDAR laser scanner. Correct detection results close to 95% show that the implementation of these sensors can lead to promising advances in the automation of weed control. The micro-level field data collected from the evaluated affordable sensors can help farmers to target operations precisely before plant stress sets in or weeds infestation occurs, paving the path to increase the adoption of Precision Agriculture techniques

    Reducción de contaminantes atomsféricos e hídricos en agricultura de precisiónutilizando sistemas robotizados

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    [EN]In the last decades there has been a large increase in environmental pollution. The incessant use of fossil fuels generates large air pollution with consequent climate change, in addition to the health problems caused by these pollutant emissions. These fuels are the main energy source for mobile vehicles, such as agricultural ones. Another problem generated in the current intensive agriculture is the use of chemicals to combat undesired pests that undermine and damage the production. Many of these products usually arrive to the water table polluting groundwater. Considering these issues, this doctoral dissertation presents a series of research publications to reduce pollution in agricultural tasks using automated systems. Concretely, the 4 publications presented in this doctoral dissertation by compendium of publications are focused on reducing atmospheric and water pollutants using robotic systems for precision treatments in agriculture. For the experimental tests presented in these publications, we have used robotic vehicles and implements developed in the RHEA project (European Union FP7-NMP 245986), the agricultural tasks considered in these publications have also been those developed within this project: (a) weed control in agricultural crops using herbicides; (b) weed control in crops with wide row spaces that can withstand high temperatures over short periods of times (such as corn, onions, garlic, leeks, etc.) by direct application of flame; and (c) pest control in trees using insecticides.[ES] En las últimas décadas se ha producido un gran aumento en la contaminación del medioambiente. El incesante uso de combustible fósil genera una gran contaminación atmosférica con las consecuentes alteraciones climáticas, además de los problemas de salud provocados por estas emisiones contaminantes. Estos combustibles son la principal fuente de energía para vehículos móviles, como lo son los vehículos agrícolas. Otra problemática generada en la actual agricultura intensiva es el uso de productos químicos utilizados para combatir las plagas indeseadas que merman y dañan la producción. Gran parte de estos productos suele terminar en el subsuelo contaminando las aguas freáticas. Abordando estas problemáticas, esta memoria de tesis doctoral presenta una serie de publicaciones de investigación para reducir la contaminación generada en las tareas agrícolas llevadas a cabo por sistemas automatizados. Concretamente, las 4 publicaciones expuestas en esta memoria de tesis doctoral por compendio de publicaciones se centran en la reducción contaminantes atmosféricos e hídricos utilizando sistemas robotizados para tratamientos de precisión aplicados en agricultura. Para las pruebas experimentales presentadas en estas publicaciones se han utilizado los vehículos robóticos e implementos desarrollados en el proyecto RHEA (European Union FP7-NMP 245986), las tareas agrícolas consideradas en estas publicaciones también han sido las desarrolladas dentro de este proyecto: (a) control de malas hierbas en cultivos agrícolas utilizando herbicidas; (b) control de malas hierbas en cultivos con surcos amplios y gran resistencia a temperaturas elevadas durante pequeños periodos de tiempo (como maíz, cebollas, ajos, puerros, etc.) mediante la aplicación directa de llamas; y (c) control de plagas en árboles aplicando insecticidas. Además, es importante tener en cuenta que gran parte de los resultados obtenidos se pueden extender a otras tareas, tanto del sector agrícola como de otros sectores.La investigación llevada a cabo para obtener los resultados de las publicaciones expuestas en esta memoria de tesis doctoral (presentada en modalidad de compendio de publicaciones) ha recibido financiación del Séptimo Programa Marco de la Unión Europea [FP7 / 2007-2013] en virtud de Acuerdo de Subvención nº 245986.Peer reviewe

    Precision Agriculture Technology for Crop Farming

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    This book provides a review of precision agriculture technology development, followed by a presentation of the state-of-the-art and future requirements of precision agriculture technology. It presents different styles of precision agriculture technologies suitable for large scale mechanized farming; highly automated community-based mechanized production; and fully mechanized farming practices commonly seen in emerging economic regions. The book emphasizes the introduction of core technical features of sensing, data processing and interpretation technologies, crop modeling and production control theory, intelligent machinery and field robots for precision agriculture production

    INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE IN INDIAN AGRICULTURE

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    Globalization, privatization and scientific advancements pose new challenges and opportunities for the development of Indian agriculture. The emerging paradigm shifts focus to creation and application of new knowledge for agricultural development and global competitiveness. To facilitate this shift and realize greater economic efficiency, a new set of responsive institutions should emerge. This volume discusses the direction of institutional change in Indian agriculture. The roles of the state, markets and collective actions are examined for evolving the knowledge-intensive agriculture. The contributed papers from a number of leading researchers cover the institutions for R&D, land and water resources, credit, marketing, trade and agro-processing.Industrial Organization, International Development,

    Precision Agriculture Technology for Crop Farming

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    This book provides a review of precision agriculture technology development, followed by a presentation of the state-of-the-art and future requirements of precision agriculture technology. It presents different styles of precision agriculture technologies suitable for large scale mechanized farming; highly automated community-based mechanized production; and fully mechanized farming practices commonly seen in emerging economic regions. The book emphasizes the introduction of core technical features of sensing, data processing and interpretation technologies, crop modeling and production control theory, intelligent machinery and field robots for precision agriculture production

    Program and Proceedings: The Nebraska Academy of Sciences 1880-2012

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    PROGRAM FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012 REGISTRATION FOR ACADEMY, Lobby of Lecture wing, Olin Hall Aeronautics and Space Science, Session A, Olin 249 Aeronautics and Space Science, Session B, Olin 224 Collegiate Academy, Biology Session A, Olin B Chemistry and Physics, Section A, Chemistry, Olin A Applied Science and Technology, Olin 325 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session A, Olin 112 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session B, Smith Callen Conference Center Junior Academy, Judges Check-In, Olin 219 Junior Academy, Senior High REGISTRATION, Olin Hall Lobby Chemistry and Physics, Section B, Physics, Planetarium Collegiate Academy, Chemistry and Physics, Session A, Olin 324 Junior Academy, Senior High Competition, Olin 124, Olin 131 Aeronautics and Space Science, Poster Session, Olin 249 NWU Health and Sciences Graduate School Fair, Olin and Smith Curtiss Halls Aeronautics and Space Science, Poster Session, Olin 249 MAIBEN MEMORIAL LECTURE, OLIN B Buffalo Bruce McIntosh, Research Ecologist with Western Nebraska Resources Council, The Status of Nebraska\u27s Native Aspen LUNCH, PATIO ROOM, STORY STUDENT CENTER (pay and carry tray through cafeteria line, or pay at NAS registration desk) Aeronautics Group, Conestoga Room Anthropology, Olin 111 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session C, Olin 112 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session D, Smith Callen Conference Center Chemistry and Physics, Section A, Chemistry, Olin A Chemistry and Physics, Section B, Physics, Planetarium Collegiate Academy, Biology Session A, Olin B Collegiate Academy, Biology Session B, Olin 249 Collegiate Academy, Chemistry and Physics, Session B, Olin 324 Earth Science, Olin 224 History/Philosophy of Science, Olin 325 Junior Academy, Judges Check-In, Olin 219 Junior Academy, Junior High REGISTRATION, Olin Hall Lobby Junior Academy, Senior High Competition, (Final), Olin 110 Teaching of Science and Math, Olin 325 Junior Academy, Junior High Competition, Olin 124, Olin 131 NJAS Board/Teacher Meeting, Olin 219 BUSINESS MEETING, OLIN B AWARDS RECEPTION for NJAS, Scholarships, Members, Spouses, and Guests First United Methodist Church, 2723 N 50th Street, Lincoln, N
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