AgRover
System for obtaining hyperspectral data from field grown plants
- A rover based platform for carrying hyperspectral line-scanning sensors over the field to measure plants from above or from the side at various heights. A light-weight design ensures minimal impact on the field and ease of transportation. Depending upon the design of the field, around 3 km of plots can be measured in one day.
Figure 2: Hyperspectral camera with adjustable mirror to measure plants from the side
- The system currently utilises a hyperspectral sensor in the short-wave infrared range (1000 – 2500 nm divided into 256 bands) with an acquisition width of approximately 25 cm and a spatial resolution of approximately 1 mm. Optionally the system may be fitted with a hyperspectral sensor in the visible/near infrared range (400 – 1000 nm; currently being tested).
- QR code and coloured marker stick detection are used to identify field, plot or treatment positions. This is currently being expanded to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS; i.e. GPS, GLONASS & GALILEO) with RTK correction (generated from an independent base station) for positional accuracy to 2 cm.
Figure 3. QR codes and colored marker sticks indicate positional information
- Computer modelling approaches for the calculation of nutrient or metabolite profiles in plants from hyperspectral data (in collaboration with Fraunhofer Institute IFF, Magdeburg).
- An indirect screen for root depth in field grown plants is currently being developed. This relies upon a system whereby fertilisers (or other chemicals) are buried at known depths below the soil surface. Changes in shoot hyperspectral properties indicate when the fertiliser/chemicals were reached by the growing root (and hence the current root depth). Our equipment is able to accurately dose solid fertilisers/chemicals to a maximum depth of 50 cm below the surface.
AgRover 4Figure 4. Machine for accurately placing fertilizers/chemicals to a maximum depth of 50 cm for the indirect screening of root depth.