Estimación de biomasa aérea de forrajes de invierno bajo riego a través de un dron

Objective: To develop a procedure to estimate biomass with digital images captured from drone and 3D modeling (ID-Dron-3D) applicable in forage alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and oats (Avena sativa L.). Design/methodology/approach: With a digital camera coupled to the drone, images were obtained before harvesting the crops, which were processed with software to then estimate biomass volume. In each crop, height of the plant and harvested area, apparent and real volume of biomass, and weight of fresh and dry biomass were measured. Results: Based on the regression analysis, linear models were obtained at one (p<0.05) to predict: fresh biomass in oats (R2 = 0.70) and alfalfa (R2 = 0.47); and dry biomass in oats (R2 = 0.78) and in alfalfa (R2 = 0.31) by ID-Drone-3D. Limitations on study/implications: Considering the R2 of the models obtained, the results in the forage oats were better, compared to those detected in alfalfa, which may be due to the greater variability of the plant cover, since, in some sampling units, the plants of Alfalfa did not completely cover the soil. Findings/conclusions: The yield of fresh and dry biomass of both crops was significantly correlated with their respective apparent volume estimated with digital images taken from a drone and its 3D processing (ID-Dron-3D).E Objetivo: Desarrollar un procedimiento para estimar biomasa con imágenes digitales captadas desde un dron y modelación 3D (ID-Dron-3D) aplicable en alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) y avena forrajera (Avena sativa L.). Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Con una cámara digital acoplada al dron se obtuvieron imágenes antes de la cosecha de los cultivos, que fueron procesadas con software para luego estimar volumen de biomasa. En cada cultivo se midió altura de la planta y área cosechada, volumen aparente y real de biomasa, y peso de biomasa fresca y seca. Resultados: Con base en el análisis de regresión se obtuvieron modelos lineales a una p<0.05 para predecir: biomasa fresca en avena (R2=0.70) y alfalfa (R2 =0.47); y biomasa seca en avena (R2=0.78) y en alfalfa (R2=0.31) mediante ID-Dron-3D. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Considerando las R2 de los modelos obtenidos, los resultados en la avena forrajera fueron mejores, respecto a los detectados en alfalfa, lo cual se puede deber a la mayor variabilidad de la cobertura vegetal, ya que, en algunas unidades de muestreo, las plantas de alfalfa no cubrían completamente el suelo. Hallazgos/conclusiones: El rendimiento de biomasa fresca y seca de ambos cultivos se correlacionó significativamente con su respectivo volumen aparente estimado con imágenes digitales tomadas desde un dron y su procesamiento 3D (ID-Dron-3D)

Reallocation of water in agriculture under drought conditions as economic efficiency maximizer

Objective: To analyze the water market scheme for water rights transfer, which could enable the increase of the economic efficiency of water use in the Irrigation District 011 - Alto Río Lerma. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using linear programming, a first model was developed to determine shadow prices in three water scarcity scenarios (15, 30, and 50% water resources reduction) and to compare them with the irrigation fees currently paid in Irrigation District 011. The second model established a water market scheme, using the same water scarcity scenarios (15, 30, and 50%). This model was developed to compare the net profit of the producers within and outside the water right transfer market. Results: The average shadow price of water is MN$3.9 m-3; this amount is higher than the irrigation fee currently paid (MN$ 0.15 m-3). The water transfer percentages are 25.8, 29.1, and 36.1%, obtaining 7.6, 7.4 and 11.7% net profit, respectively, for each water scarcity scenario (15, 30, and 50%). Study Limitations/Implications: The research was carried out based on the data from two out of the 11 irrigation modules included in Irrigation District 011. These modules are the most representative, both in extension and crop variety. Findings/Conclusions: The existence of a water market confirms the advantages of an increase in the net profit of the producers under drought conditions, included within the area of Irrigation District 011