Drones take farming to new heights
High above the fields of the Morven Sustainability Lab, drones equipped with heat and light sensors are changing what it means to farm smarter. This month, researchers and students from the University of Virginia, NASA and the University at Buffalo tested drone technology by flying more than 100 feet (30 meters) above crops to measure plant health at UVA's 2,900-acre (1,170-hectare) research…
High in the Morven Sustainability Lab fields, drones with advanced sensors are revolutionizing modern farming practices. This month, a collaborative effort between the University of Virginia, NASA, and the University at Buffalo tested drone technology to measure plant health at the 2,900-acre research facility. Led by UVA professor Manuel Lerdau, the project aims to enhance precision agriculture by providing farmers with more information about their crops' wellbeing.
UVA's team developed a new method for guiding drones to measure plant stress and productivity, while NASA contributed expertise in remote sensing. The UVA researchers focused on site preparation and fieldwork, flying drones for five days to gather data on plant growth. The sensors on the drones can assess various aspects of plant health, such as photosynthesis, water status, and species.
By comparing drone readings with ground-based measurements, the team aims to determine the efficiency of the drone technology in early detection of drought, pests, and diseases. This will enable farmers to address issues sooner and more precisely, leading to improved crop growth and reduced environmental impact.
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