Hyperspectral classification of Cyperus esculentus clones and morphologically similar weeds

Cyperus esculentus (yellow nutsedge) is one of the world's worst weeds as it can cause great damage to crops and crop production. To eradicate C. esculentus, early detection is key-a challenging task as it is often confused with other Cyperaceae and displays wide genetic variability. In this study, the objective was to classify C. esculentus clones and morphologically similar weeds. Hyperspectral reflectance between 500 and 800 nm was tested as a measure to discriminate between (I) C. esculentus and morphologically similar Cyperaceae weeds, and between (II) different clonal populations of C. esculentus using three classification models: random forest (RF), regularized logistic regression (RLR) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). RLR performed better than RF and PLS-DA, and was able to adequately classify the samples. The possibility of creating an affordable multispectral sensing tool, for precise in-field recognition of C. esculentus plants based on fewer spectral bands, was tested. Results of this study were compared against simulated results from a commercially available multispectral camera with four spectral bands. The model created with customized bands performed almost equally well as the original PLS-DA or RLR model, and much better than the model describing multispectral image data from a commercially available camera. These results open up the opportunity to develop a dedicated robust tool for C. esculentus recognition based on four spectral bands and an appropriate classification model

The Belgian experience with sprayer inspection activities and future challenges

In Belgium, the mandatory inspection of field crop, orchard and vineyard sprayers was already started up in 1995. Furthermore, the inspection of greenhouse sprayers and soil-disinfection machines was implemented respectively in 2011 and 2014. So Belgium can look back on more than 22 years of experiences with the inspection of sprayers.In Belgium, the mandatory inspection of field crop, orchard and vineyard sprayers was already started up in 1995. Furthermore, the inspection of greenhouse sprayers and soil-disinfection machines was implemented respectively in 2011 and 2014. So Belgium can look back on more than 22 years of experiences with the inspection of sprayers

Development of a stereovision-based technique to measure the spread patterns of granular fertilizer spreaders

Centrifugal fertilizer spreaders are by far the most commonly used granular fertilizer spreader type in Europe. Their spread pattern however is error-prone, potentially leading to an undesired distribution of particles in the field and losses out of the field, which is often caused by poor calibration of the spreader for the specific fertilizer used. Due to the large environmental impact of fertilizer use, it is important to optimize the spreading process and minimize these errors. Spreader calibrations can be performed by using collection trays to determine the (field) spread pattern, but this is very time-consuming and expensive for the farmer and hence not common practice. Therefore, we developed an innovative multi-camera system to predict the spread pattern in a fast and accurate way, independent of the spreader configuration. Using high-speed stereovision, ejection parameters of particles leaving the spreader vanes were determined relative to a coordinate system associated with the spreader. The landing positions and subsequent spread patterns were determined using a ballistic model incorporating the effect of tractor motion and wind. Experiments were conducted with a commercial spreader and showed a high repeatability. The results were transformed to one spatial dimension to enable comparison with transverse spread patterns determined in the field and showed similar results

Exploring the adoption of innovative spraying equipment

Postprint (published version

Factors pertaining the gap between research and practice: The case of innovative spraying equipment

This work in progress aims at identifying groups of farmers with similar characteristics that relate to farmers’ perceptions and adoption of innovatory spraying equipment.Postprint (published version

The Use of High-Speed Imaging Systems for Applications in Precision Agriculture

UB Dijon EcolDurInternational audienceThe book "New Technologies - Trends, Innovations and Research" presents contributions made by researchers from the entire world and from some modern fields of technology, serving as a valuable tool for scientists, researchers, graduate students and professionals. Some practical applications in particular areas are presented, offering the capability to solve problems resulted from economic needs and to perform specific functions. The book will make possible for scientists and engineers to get familiar with the ideas from researchers from some modern fields of activity. It will provide interesting examples of practical applications of knowledge, assist in the designing process, as well as bring changes to their research areas. A collection of techniques, that combine scientific resources, is provided to make necessary products with the desired quality criteria. Strong mathematical and scientific concepts were used in the applications. They meet the requirements of utility, usability and safety. Technological applications presented in the book have appropriate functions and they may be exploited with competitive advantages. The book has 17 chapters, covering the following subjects: manufacturing technologies, nanotechnologies, robotics, telecommunications, physics, dental medical technologies, smart homes, speech technologies, agriculture technologies and management

The INNOSETA Platform: a web-tool to support dissemination of innovation and research in the crop protection sector

Postprint (published version

INNOSETA regional workshops: analysis of the needs for better dissemination of spraying innovations in vineyards and orchards

In the framework of the H2020 INNOSETA thematic network focused on agricultural spraying, 17 workshops were organised across Europe on issues related to the appropriation of spraying innovations by farmers. The objective of these workshops, which gathered a total of 850 people, was to foster exchanges between the various stakeholders (sprayer manufacturers, PPP companies, authorities, advisors, farmers’ representatives, researchers, etc.) in a multi-actor approach; to address issues related to the dissemination of innovation; and to identify ways to improve farmers’ uptake. Each workshop was organised as a technical day combining demonstrations of innovations with interactive discussions. The outcomes of the discussions highlighted in all countries are that there is still a lot to be donePostprint (published version