Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Our target audiences are - (i) Undergraduate, Graduate students and Post Doctoral Scholars, (ii) Growers, (iii) Farm Advisers, (iv) Extension Specialists, (v) Representatives of Commodity Boards and Agricultural Industry, and (vi) Researchers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has trained one (1) PhD student and is training one (1) Post Doc, one (1) PhD and one (1) undergraduate student. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We demonstrated our system to (1) CDFA representative, Ms. Ison Faye and Ms. Diane Nelson, Senior Writer, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, UC Davis and a group visitors (about 30 scientists) on August 18, 2015, (2) Almond Board Representatives (Mr. Bob Curtis and Gabrile Ludwig) on August 19, 2015, and (3) E & J Gallo representatives (Dr. Luis Sanchez, Dr. Nick Dokoozlian, and Dr. Maria del Mar) on September 1, 2015. Moreover, our work has been widely publicized in the media - (1) Western Farm press article dated July 7, 2015, http://westernfarmpress.com/orchard-crops/precision-irrigation-management-near-almonds (2) Almond Board of California article dated 8/12/2015, http://www.almonds.com/newsletters/outlook/huge-strides-precision-irrigation-more-come (3) Western Fruit Grower article dated 10/14/2015, http://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/grapes/high-tech-sensor-system-allows-for-precision-irrigation/ (4) A front page article in Davis Enterprise on September 17, 2015 http://www.davisenterprise.com/print/print-edition-thursday-september-17-2015/ (5) A radio interview by KCBS radio station on September 26, 2015, transcripts of which are available can be obtained from Mr. Michael Bower, Producer, CBS Radio News, KCBS Radio, San Francisco (E-mail: bowermr@gmail.com) (6) 2015 March 17, Computation of performance metrics for mechanized harvesting using fruit tree models, Annual Meeting of UCCE Precision Ag Workgroup . ANR Building, Davis, CA. (7) 2015 March 18, Automated Agriculture: Focus on Harvesting, CITRIS Spring Seminars. UC Berkeley and Webcast and, (8) 2015 July: ASABE Intl. Meeting, New Orleans; oral presentation of conference paper on strawberry yield-mapping system What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will implement management zone based precision irrigation in both almond and grape crops during the 2016 growing season. The continuous leaf monitor will continue to be the main sensor used for making irrigation decisions. The water use efficiency ('crop/drop') will be determined by collecting yield water application data. The system will be demonstrated to growers, farm advisers, extension specialists, and commodity board representatives. The results will also be presented at the scientific meetings.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1) Management zone based Precision Irrigation in Almonds and Grapes: Almonds:Over the last few years, we had setup a wireless mesh network consisting of sensors capable of monitoring soil and plant water status, and actuate lathing solenoid valves to implement precision irrigation in two selected almonds rows at Nickels Soil Laboratory, Arbuckle, CA. During 2015 growing season we expanded the scope of this project to a 5 acre plot. This plot was divided into two management zones based on soil and plant characteristics using fuzzy classification. The soil characteristics considered were soil texture, digital elevation and surface (shallow depth) and subsurface (deep layer) electrical conductivities. Plant characteristics considered were canopy light interception and canopy temperature obtained using a handheld sensor suite. Specially developed continuous leaf monitors that measured leaf and air temperatures, ambient relative humidity, wind speed and incident light on the leaf to estimate plant water status were deployed in each management zones to implement site-specific irrigation management. Within each management zone conventional grower treatment and plant water status based precision irrigation management were implemented. Additional drip lines were installed in the plant water status based treatment to irrigate each management zone independently. Plant water status was monitored by comparing the performance of selected trees with respect to a well-watered tree and a simulated dry tree. The position of each leaf monitor was chosen by carefully analyzing stem water potential maps created on three different occasions. Plant water status was monitored by comparing the performance of selected trees (in terms of temperature difference between the ambient and the leaf) with respect to a well-watered tree and a simulated dry tree. Attempts were made to manage irrigation in such a way that the level of plant water stress represented as daily crop water stress index values remained within a reasonable range (0 to 0.3). Preliminary results indicated that while management zone #1 required approximately 70% water compared to grower based irrigation, management zone #2 required about 90% of the water in late July and early August. Grapes:During the 2015 growing season, we worked on the creation of management zones and testing the suitability of leaf monitors for detecting stress in grape crop. Management zones were created based on soil and plant characteristics using unsupervised Fuzzy classification just like in the almond orchard. The soil characteristics considered were digital elevation (obtained using RTK GPS units), soil texture and surface (shallow depth), and subsurface (deep layer) electrical conductivities. Plant characteristics considered were NDVI (Landsat image) and yield maps from the 2014 growing season. Based on these management zones, we made modifications to irrigation water supply systems, selected optimal locations to install leaf monitors, soil moisture sensors, pressure sensors, hubs and latching solenoid valves. The plot used had a total of 34 rows, which contained rows that always have been pruned mechanically and rows that have been pruned manually. These rows were interlaced in the field in groups of three rows except for the two rows at each of the edges. We only managed those rows that have always been pruned mechanically. Therefore we used five groups of three rows and in each group of three rows we used the row in the center to monitor plant water stress. A wireless monitoring, communication and control system consisting of hubs with cellular radios, leaf monitors, soil sensors, pressure sensors and latching solenoid valves was successfully installed. Temperature difference (i.e. air temperature minus leaf temperature) responses to plant water stress were compared to a well-saturated vine and a simulated dry leaf for both drying and wetting cycles. The CWSI and MCWSI indices were estimated and found to be capable of representing the stress level of the vines in both groups of vines analyzed (i.e., drying and wetting). Comparison between the stress indices and DSWP (or SWP) gave a coefficient of determination of 0.70 (0.69) for MCWSI values, and 0.65 (0.67) for CWSI values. The vines which were subject to the drying cycle had a considerably better correlation than the vines subject to the wetting cycle; this was also found to be true for the leaf porometer data. This differences could be due to the fact that the range of stress observed in the vines undergoing wetting cycle was lower than the range of stress found in the vines subjected to the drying cycle. 2) Yield Monitor for Strawberries: During this period a prototype cart was built and instrumented with a microcontroller and load cells to measure in real-time the weight of harvested strawberries as the tray fills up with fruits. As the picker picked and placed the fruits on the cart, load cells measured the mass and an off-the-shelf GPS device installed on the cart recorded the location. All the collected data was stored on a micro SD card and then uploaded to a computer after the experiment in order to create a yield map for the plot of strawberry field harvested during the experiment. A relatively inexpensive real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS module was also used to provide ground truth location data. A field experiment was carried out and as a worker picked and placed the fruits in the cart, the weight data was measured and stored in a solid-state (SD) memory card, along with GPS position data. After harvest, a yield map was generated for an approximately 0.12 ha area plot of the field. Load cell measurements showed a mean absolute percentage error of 2.6% compared to the weights recorded by a digital scale. This error was reduced to 1.6% by employing a correction factor to the load cell data.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Rojo, F., R. Dhillon, S. Upadhyaya, H. Liu, J. Roach, B. Lampinen. 2015. Estimating canopy light interception and yield using the cross sectional area of the canopy obtained by UAV in almond and walnut trees. ASABE Paper No. 152183324. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Khosro Anjom, F., R. Rehal, S. Vougioukas. 2015. A Low-Cost, Efficient Strawberry Yield Monitoring System. ASABE Annual Intl. Meeting; Paper Number 152189408, ASABE, St. Joseph, MI 49085
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Vougioukas, S.G., L. He, R. Arikapudi. 2015. Orchard Worker Localisation Relative to a Vehicle Using Radio Ranging and Trilateration. Biosystems Engineering.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Arikapudi, R., S. G. Vougioukas, F. Jim�nez- Jim�nez, F. Farangis Khosro Anjom. 2015. Estimation of Fruit Locations in Orchard Tree Canopies Using Radio Signal Ranging and Trilateration. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
|
Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Our target audiences are - (i) Undergraduate and Graduate students, (ii) Post Doctoral Scholars, (iii) Growers, (iv) Farm Advisers, (v) Extension Specialists, (vi) Representatives of Commodity Boards and Agricultural Industry, and (vii) Researchers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has trained one (1) PhD student and and one (1) Post Doc, and is training one (1) PhD, two (2) MS and several undergraduate students. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results obtained during last growing season were presented at the Almond Board of California Annual Meeting in Sacramento, CA as oral and poster presentations. Results were also presented at the 2016 California Soil & Plant Conference in Visalia that was attended by 100+ participants. The attendees were mostly growers, extension specialists, farm advisers, researchers and agricultural industry representatives. The project team was invited to present the project's work at the Precision Agriculture Work group meeting in Davis, CA (about 25 people, who were mostly farm advisers, extension specialists, industry folks, and researchers attended this meeting). In addition, the project's results were presented at a project meeting on April 25th, which was attended by the representatives of the Almond Board of California, E&J Gallo Wineries, and project collaborators. There were 15 people including UC Davis researchers, Almond Board Research Director, World Food Center Director, and two E & J Gallo Winery Representatives. Finally, a demonstration of the wireless mesh network and leaf monitor system, and a poster were presented on UC Davis Picnic Day (April 16th) as a part of the department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering open house. About 150 people stopped by the demonstration over a six hour period that day. The people who visited the demonstration site were students and their parents, alumni and friends of UC Davis. Moreover, the results of this research were presented at Scientific meetings - American Society Biological and Agricultural Engineering Annual International Meeting in Orlando, FL; 13th Precision Agriculture Conference in St. Louis., MO; American Society of Enology and Viticulture Conference in Montery, CA and Agricontrol 2016 Conference in Seattle, WA. Moreover, the automated weeding using crop signaling compound project was disseminated via oral presentations to vegetable crops growers in California at their annual research meetings in California. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will implement management zone based precision irrigation in almond crop during the 2017 growing season. The continuous leaf monitor will continue to be the main sensor used for making irrigation decisions. The water use efficiency ('crop/drop') will be determined by collecting yield water application data. The system will be demonstrated to growers, farm advisers, extension specialists, and commodity board representatives. The results will also be presented at the scientific meetings.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1) Management zone based Precision Irrigation in Almonds and Grapes: Data obtained during the 2015 growing season have been fully analyzed. Both almond and grape crops presented high correlation between the crop water stress index (CWSI) computed from leaf monitor data and the deficit stem water potential measured by the pressure chamber. Preliminary results from zone based precision irrigation management that utilized leaf monitors to determine plant water status, indicated that zone #1 required 70% of grower water application amount and zone #2 required 90% of grower application amount. Moreover, we upgraded the leaf monitor housing using the 3D printer technology making it easier to install and inspect in the field. We installed 14 leaf monitors at Nickel's Soil Lab to monitor almond trees and 12 leaf monitors at Colony Vineyard (E&J Gallo Wineries) to monitor grape vines. Each field had one simulated dry leaf monitor (a leaf whose stem had been cut) and one saturated leaf monitor (a tree which received extra water compared to the other trees in the field). Throughout the summer season, stem water potential (SWP) measurements were taken using a pressure bomb. Irrigation management targeted particular SWP values based on the type of crop and its stage in the growing season. Initially, the deficit stem water potential (DSWP) vs. CWSI relationship from the 2015 season was used to inform irrigation decisions to a specific maximum CWSI for that day. The strategies used in each crop are described below: In almonds, the first few irrigations of the season matched those of the grower. Thereafter, until hull-split, a mild stress level of -12 to -14 bar (preferably -13 bar) was targeted. Once hull-split began, moderate stress in the range of -14 to -18 bar (preferably -16 bar) was targeted until end of hull-split period; and following hull-split, efforts aimed to maintain stress below -13 bar. Irrigation management stopped when harvest preparations began. For the duration of the season, the orchard was controlled by management zone and efforts were made to irrigate 2-3 times per week, to be consistent with the grower irrigation frequency. The goal was to wait a sufficient number of days before irrigating so that the stress value did not exceed the maximum (SWP) stress. With each irrigation in almonds, SWP should drop to unstressed levels then rise to the desired stress level after a period of time. A stress pattern developed with these irrigations and was reflected in calculated CWSI values. The day after irrigation, average zone stress decreased. The second day after irrigation, average zone stress decreased further, or stayed about the same as the previous day. On the third day, stress would increase significantly. Monitoring CWSI values for these trends in plant water stress accumulation, we traveled to the field on days where CWSI values were expected to be high to take SWP measurements and then make irrigation decisions. In this way, CWSI values were used as a guide for when to take SWP measurements and how much irrigation to apply. If the stress level was greater than the target SWP value, the water applied was increased in increments of 5% of ET per irrigation. For grapes, a target sunny leaf water potential (LWP), as opposed to SWP, was provided by a team of viticulturists at E&J Gallo Wineries. However, the leaf monitors were designed to be installed in the shade, so SWP is more directly correlated to shaded leaf temperature than LWP. Therefore, in the beginning of the season several concurrent midday LWP and SWP measurements were taken to determine the relationship between LWP and SWP. This dataset was used to calculate an approximate equation for LWP as a function of the measured SWP. A polynomial relationship was found between LWP and SWP; this relationship was used to approximate how close the SWP measurements were to the targeted LWP. A LWP of -13 bar, or an SWP of ~ -11.9 bar based on the calculated polynomial relationship, was targeted during `veraison' (the onset of berry ripening). When veraison phase was over around July 19, the target LWP was a slightly lower stress level of -12 bar (an SWP of ~ -10.5 bar), as directed by the viticulturists. Irrigation decisions were primarily based on the relative difference between CWSI values from one day to the next. Typically, the amount of irrigation was incrementally increased or decreased by 5% of the grower's irrigation to aim for the target CWSI and SWP (LWP) values. When significant changes in CWSI were observed or expected - as was the case on weekends when the grower did not irrigate - SWP measurements were obtained. Generally, SWP measurements were collected twice a week- when the stress level was high after the weekend on Monday or Tuesday and when the stress level was low on Thursday or Friday. In general, zone #2 tended to be more stressed than zone #1 when the same amount of water was applied to both zones. Yield and quality data were obtained in both crops during the harvesting period. The data are being analyzed to determine improvement in water use efficiency when management zone based precision irrigation is implemented in almonds and grapes that utilizes plant water stress to determine irrigation needs. 2) Automated Weeding using Crop Signaling Compound: Progress was made on the development of automated, intra-row weed control technologies for vegetable crops that can accurately and rapidly differentiate crops from weeds, determine their spatial location and automatically kill weeds without damage to the crop. A mobile system that automatically applies the crop signaling compound to the crop plants at planting was successfully created and tested on the UC Davis campus farm. The system was capable of accurate and automatic application of the crop signaling compound to the main stems of tomato seedlings in real-time during transplanting, which is performed from a standard vegetable crop transplanter while in motion. Field research experiments show a very high success rate (~100%) for establishing the crop signaling compound in transplanted vegetable crop plants when using the new method. Field experiments also show that the crop signaling compound provides a co-robotic solution to the weed vs. crop detection problem with a nearly perfect success rate and no false positives (i.e., no weeds were accidentally mistaken for crop plants). 3) Precision Yield mapping in orchard crops: Precision yield maps in orchards can provide useful data for horticultural and operations management. Yield monitors are currently not available for tree fruits, as all are harvested manually. A commercial picking bag was instrumented to measure harvested fruit weight. Two load cells were placed inside an enclosure, which was placed between the bag and its shoulder straps, without hindering picking motions. The load cells measure the forces exerted on the straps by the bag and fruits. All electronics were placed inside the enclosure, and included an Arduino, signal conditioning circuits, an Xbee shield, a GPS, and an SD card. The microcontroller transmits data in real time and saves time-stamped data on the SD card. Data are filtered using a median and a low-pass filter to reduce noise. Dynamic calibration was performed in the lab over the weight range of the bag's capacity (20 kg). Baseballs provided consistent weight and volume and were placed in the bag to provide a staircase ground truth weight signal. Two people carried the bag and moved in a manner analogous to pickers. Results showed a mean error of 0.39 kg, standard deviation 0.42 kg, and 95th percentile 1.04 kg. Major error sources included bag acceleration and body reaction force.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Vuong, V.L., D.C. Slaughter, and T.T. Nguyen. 2016. Automated Application of a Crop Signaling Compound for Automated Weeding. 2016 ASABE Annual International Meeting Presentation, Orlando, FL, July 17-20, 2016.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Rojo, F., E. Kizer, S. Upadhyaya, S. Ozmen, C. Ko-Madden, and Q. Zhang. 2016. Precision Irrigation in Almonds and Grapes based on Plant Water Status. Plant and Soil Conference in Visalia, California on February 2, 2016.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Rojo, F., E. Kizer, S. Upadhyaya, C. Ko-Madden, Q. Zhang, and S. Ozmen. 2016. The Use of Leaf Monitors in Precision Irrigation of Grapes. Managing Water in California Vineyards Symposium, by the American Society for Enology and Viticulture in Monterey, California on June 28, 2016
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Kizer, E., F. Rojo, S. Upadhyaya, C. Ko-Madden, Q. Zhang, and S. Ozmen. 2016. Proximal Sensing of Leaf Temperature and Microclimatic Variables to Implement Precision Irrigation in Almond and Grape Crops. 13th International Conference on Precision Agriculture, International Society of Precision Agriculture in St. Louis, Missouri from July 31-August 4, 2016.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Rojo, F. E. Kizer, S. Upadhyaya, S. Ozmen, C. Ko-Madden, and Q. Zhang. 2016. A Leaf Monitoring System for Continuous Measurement of Plant Water Status to Assist in Precision Irrigation in Grape and Almond Crops. AgriControl Conference 2016 in Seattle, WA on August 15th, 2016.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Rojo, F., E. Kizer, S. Upadhyaya, S. Ozmen, C. Ko-Madden, Q. Zhang. 2016. A Leaf Monitoring System for Continuous Measurement of Plant Water Status to Assist in Precision Irrigation in Grape and Almond crops. 2016 ASABE Annual International Meeting Presentation, Orlando, FL, July 17-20, 2016 (oral presentation only).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Upadhyaya, S. and F. Rojo. F. 2016. Plant Water Stress Based Precision Irrigation that Utilizes a Wireless Network of Sensors and Controllers. Invited keynote presentation. Ibersensor 2016. X Congresso Iberoamericano de Sensores 26-28 Octoberm Universidad Technica Federico Santa Maria, Valparaiso, Chile (Oral presentation only).
|
Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Our target audiences are - (i) Undergraduate, Graduate students and Post Doctoral Scholars, (ii) Growers, (iii) Farm Advisers, (iv) Extension Specialists, (v) Representatives of Commodity Boards and Agricultural Industry, and (vi) Researchers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has trained one (1) PhD student and is training one (1) Post Doc, one (1) PhD and one (1) undergraduate student. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We demonstrated our system to (1) CDFA representative, Ms. Ison Faye and Ms. Diane Nelson, Senior Writer, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, UC Davis and a group visitors (about 30 scientists) on August 18, 2015, (2) Almond Board Representatives (Mr. Bob Curtis and Gabrile Ludwig) on August 19, 2015, and (3) E & J Gallo representatives (Dr. Luis Sanchez, Dr. Nick Dokoozlian, and Dr. Maria del Mar) on September 1, 2015. Moreover, our work has been widely publicized in the media - (1) Western Farm press article dated July 7, 2015, http://westernfarmpress.com/orchard-crops/precision-irrigation-management-near-almonds (2) Almond Board of California article dated 8/12/2015, http://www.almonds.com/newsletters/outlook/huge-strides-precision-irrigation-more-come (3) Western Fruit Grower article dated 10/14/2015, http://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/grapes/high-tech-sensor-system-allows-for-precision-irrigation/ (4) A front page article in Davis Enterprise on September 17, 2015 http://www.davisenterprise.com/print/print-edition-thursday-september-17-2015/ (5) A radio interview by KCBS radio station on September 26, 2015, transcripts of which are available can be obtained from Mr. Michael Bower, Producer, CBS Radio News, KCBS Radio, San Francisco (E-mail: bowermr@gmail.com) (6) 2015 March 17, Computation of performance metrics for mechanized harvesting using fruit tree models, Annual Meeting of UCCE Precision Ag Workgroup . ANR Building, Davis, CA. (7) 2015 March 18, Automated Agriculture: Focus on Harvesting, CITRIS Spring Seminars. UC Berkeley and Webcast and, (8) 2015 July: ASABE Intl. Meeting, New Orleans; oral presentation of conference paper on strawberry yield-mapping system What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will implement management zone based precision irrigation in both almond and grape crops during the 2016 growing season. The continuous leaf monitor will continue to be the main sensor used for making irrigation decisions. The water use efficiency ('crop/drop') will be determined by collecting yield water application data. The system will be demonstrated to growers, farm advisers, extension specialists, and commodity board representatives. The results will also be presented at the scientific meetings.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1) Management zone based Precision Irrigation in Almonds and Grapes: Almonds:Over the last few years, we had setup a wireless mesh network consisting of sensors capable of monitoring soil and plant water status, and actuate lathing solenoid valves to implement precision irrigation in two selected almonds rows at Nickels Soil Laboratory, Arbuckle, CA. During 2015 growing season we expanded the scope of this project to a 5 acre plot. This plot was divided into two management zones based on soil and plant characteristics using fuzzy classification. The soil characteristics considered were soil texture, digital elevation and surface (shallow depth) and subsurface (deep layer) electrical conductivities. Plant characteristics considered were canopy light interception and canopy temperature obtained using a handheld sensor suite. Specially developed continuous leaf monitors that measured leaf and air temperatures, ambient relative humidity, wind speed and incident light on the leaf to estimate plant water status were deployed in each management zones to implement site-specific irrigation management. Within each management zone conventional grower treatment and plant water status based precision irrigation management were implemented. Additional drip lines were installed in the plant water status based treatment to irrigate each management zone independently. Plant water status was monitored by comparing the performance of selected trees with respect to a well-watered tree and a simulated dry tree. The position of each leaf monitor was chosen by carefully analyzing stem water potential maps created on three different occasions. Plant water status was monitored by comparing the performance of selected trees (in terms of temperature difference between the ambient and the leaf) with respect to a well-watered tree and a simulated dry tree. Attempts were made to manage irrigation in such a way that the level of plant water stress represented as daily crop water stress index values remained within a reasonable range (0 to 0.3). Preliminary results indicated that while management zone #1 required approximately 70% water compared to grower based irrigation, management zone #2 required about 90% of the water in late July and early August. Grapes:During the 2015 growing season, we worked on the creation of management zones and testing the suitability of leaf monitors for detecting stress in grape crop. Management zones were created based on soil and plant characteristics using unsupervised Fuzzy classification just like in the almond orchard. The soil characteristics considered were digital elevation (obtained using RTK GPS units), soil texture and surface (shallow depth), and subsurface (deep layer) electrical conductivities. Plant characteristics considered were NDVI (Landsat image) and yield maps from the 2014 growing season. Based on these management zones, we made modifications to irrigation water supply systems, selected optimal locations to install leaf monitors, soil moisture sensors, pressure sensors, hubs and latching solenoid valves. The plot used had a total of 34 rows, which contained rows that always have been pruned mechanically and rows that have been pruned manually. These rows were interlaced in the field in groups of three rows except for the two rows at each of the edges. We only managed those rows that have always been pruned mechanically. Therefore we used five groups of three rows and in each group of three rows we used the row in the center to monitor plant water stress. A wireless monitoring, communication and control system consisting of hubs with cellular radios, leaf monitors, soil sensors, pressure sensors and latching solenoid valves was successfully installed. Temperature difference (i.e. air temperature minus leaf temperature) responses to plant water stress were compared to a well-saturated vine and a simulated dry leaf for both drying and wetting cycles. The CWSI and MCWSI indices were estimated and found to be capable of representing the stress level of the vines in both groups of vines analyzed (i.e., drying and wetting). Comparison between the stress indices and DSWP (or SWP) gave a coefficient of determination of 0.70 (0.69) for MCWSI values, and 0.65 (0.67) for CWSI values. The vines which were subject to the drying cycle had a considerably better correlation than the vines subject to the wetting cycle; this was also found to be true for the leaf porometer data. This differences could be due to the fact that the range of stress observed in the vines undergoing wetting cycle was lower than the range of stress found in the vines subjected to the drying cycle. 2) Yield Monitor for Strawberries: During this period a prototype cart was built and instrumented with a microcontroller and load cells to measure in real-time the weight of harvested strawberries as the tray fills up with fruits. As the picker picked and placed the fruits on the cart, load cells measured the mass and an off-the-shelf GPS device installed on the cart recorded the location. All the collected data was stored on a micro SD card and then uploaded to a computer after the experiment in order to create a yield map for the plot of strawberry field harvested during the experiment. A relatively inexpensive real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS module was also used to provide ground truth location data. A field experiment was carried out and as a worker picked and placed the fruits in the cart, the weight data was measured and stored in a solid-state (SD) memory card, along with GPS position data. After harvest, a yield map was generated for an approximately 0.12 ha area plot of the field. Load cell measurements showed a mean absolute percentage error of 2.6% compared to the weights recorded by a digital scale. This error was reduced to 1.6% by employing a correction factor to the load cell data.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Rojo, F., R. Dhillon, S. Upadhyaya, H. Liu, J. Roach, B. Lampinen. 2015. Estimating canopy light interception and yield using the cross sectional area of the canopy obtained by UAV in almond and walnut trees. ASABE Paper No. 152183324. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Khosro Anjom, F., R. Rehal, S. Vougioukas. 2015. A Low-Cost, Efficient Strawberry Yield Monitoring System. ASABE Annual Intl. Meeting; Paper Number 152189408, ASABE, St. Joseph, MI 49085
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Vougioukas, S.G., L. He, R. Arikapudi. 2015. Orchard Worker Localisation Relative to a Vehicle Using Radio Ranging and Trilateration. Biosystems Engineering.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Arikapudi, R., S. G. Vougioukas, F. Jim�nez- Jim�nez, F. Farangis Khosro Anjom. 2015. Estimation of Fruit Locations in Orchard Tree Canopies Using Radio Signal Ranging and Trilateration. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
|
Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Our target audiences are - (i) Undergraduate, Graduate students and Post Doctoral Scholars, (ii) Growers, (iii) Farm Advisers, (iv) Extension Specialists, (v) Representatives of Commodity Boards and Agricultural Industry, and (vi) Researchers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The project has trained four (4) PhD and one (1) MS students. It has also trained two (2) Visiting Scholars. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated extensively to target audience as follows: (i) Field day in Nickels Soil Laboratory to Almond Farm Advisers on May 7, 2014 (ii) Field Demonstration to participants of the International Conference on Precision Agriculture in Sacramento, CA. About 150 people (scientists, engineers, industry representatives, and growers) participated in the field demonstration on July 23, 2014. (iii) Made scientific presentations on "Precision Canopy and Water Management" at (a) the American Society of Agricultural Engineers meeting in Montreal, Canada (July 14-16, 2014); (b) International Society for Precision Agriculture in Sacramento, CA (July 21 -22, 2014); (c) ADAGENG meeting in Capadocia, Turkey (September 5, 2014). (iv) Made several invited presentations on "Precision Canopy and Water Management" - (a) Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Japan (October 6-10, 2014); (ii) The undergraduate students of Tottori University, Japan in University of Baja California, Mexico (November 3-10, 2014); (iii)University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India (January 1, 2014);. (v) Conducted a workshop (invited) at National Institute of Agricultural Engineering in Bhopal, India on Sensor Technologies and precision Agriculture (February 28 - Mach 2, 2014) (vi) Made several invited presentations on "Precision Irrigation Management" for students, researchers, and industry representatives on UC Davis campus - (a) Chinese delegation on January 22, 2014; (b) Monsanto representatives on January 23, 2014; (c) Seed Central workshop (February 18, 2014); (d) Pentair representatives (May 13, 2014); (e) World Food Center workshop (May 22, 2014). (vii) Made a presentation on Precision Canopy and Water Management" to participants of the Annual Almond Board of California Conference in Sacramento, CA (December 3, 2013). (viii) Dr. Vougioukas's research team made a presentation on design and testing of fruit localization system within the tree canopy at the 12th International Conference of Precision Agriculture in Sacramento, CA, July 21-22, 2014. (ix) Dr. Slaughter's research made a presentation on Thermal image based plant water stree determination at the Second International Conference on Robotics And Associated High-Technologies And Equipment For Agriculture And Forestry (New trends in mobile robotics, perception and actuation for agriculture and forestry) Madrid, Spain May 21-23, 2014 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We expect to concentrate on precision irrigation management aspects during the next two years. Our plans are to implement a wireless mesh network in an almond orchard at Nickels Soil Lab and a vineyard managed by E & J Gallo wineries. For each crop, three management zones will be created based on soil physical characteristics and plant characteristics (canopy light interception as measured by a lightbar and canopy temperature variation as measured by a handheld sensor suite; both developed at UCD). Within each management zone, ET based, ET corrected by canopy shape as determined by the lightbar unit, grower based, and plant water stress (PWS) based irrigation management schemes will be employed. A continuous leaf monitor (also developed at UCD) that has been successfully interfaced to a commercial wireless network to monitor PWS remotely through the web will be used to implement different irrigation schemes. Crop yield and quality, water use efficiency will be determined. The precision irrigation system and its benefits will be demonstrated to stakeholders through field days.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. Comparison of Hand-held Sensor Suite and Thermal Imaging Technique to Measure Canopy Temperature in Orchard Crops for Plant Water Status Predictions: In our previous study, we have found that leaf temperature measurements of shaded leaves along with microclimatic data were very useful for prediction of plant water stress and for development of stress indices such as crop water stress index (CWSI) in many crops. In this study, a hand-held sensor suite (HHSS) was developed to measure leaf temperature, air temperature, relative humidity, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and wind speed. The HHSS was very convenient to use in field conditions and was successfully evaluated in commercial orchards in almond and walnut crops. Stepwise multiple linear regression models were produced to relate leaf temperature with plant water status and micro-climatic data with coefficient of determination values of 0.88 and 0.83 for almond and walnut crops, respectively. These models were validated to classify the trees into water stressed and not-stressed categories with critical error of misclassification of 1.6 and 2.7% in almond and walnut crops, respectively. In another experiment, infra-red thermal camera was used to capture images of almond and walnut tree canopies and leaf temperature was also measured by HHSS simultaneously. Leaf temperature data measured with HHSS was successfully used to validate the performance of infra-red thermal camera for measuring shaded canopy temperature using supervised classification technique. 2. Development and Evaluation of a Leaf Monitoring System for Continuous Measurement of Plant Water Status in Almond and Walnut Crops: Based on the encouraging results we have obtained using our HHSS, an inexpensive, easy to use sensing system called `Leaf Monitor' was developed and evaluated to continuously measure leaf temperature and relevant microclimatic variables (i.e., air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and PAR) in the vicinity of a leaf for prediction of plant water status for tree crops. Design of leaf monitor also assisted in controlling levels of disturbance variables like wind speed and light conditions. Leaf monitors were installed in almond and walnut orchards as a part of a wireless mesh network. This study also proposed a method to develop a modified crop water stress index (MCWSI) in which reference well watered baseline was developed after every irrigation event for each tree for incorporating any temporal variability throughout the season. Data were obtained remotely over the web, and daily MCWSI values were calculated by assigning first day after irrigation as the reference day. MCWSI values were found to be highly correlated with measured plant water stress. This sensing system has potential to be used as irrigation scheduling tool as it was able to provide daily stress index value which follows similar pattern as the actual plant water stress. 3. Modeling Canopy Light Interception for Estimating Yield in Almond and Walnut Trees: The objectives of this project were to develop a model for photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intercepted by almond and walnut trees based on data obtained from respective tree(s) and estimate potential crop yield in individual trees or in blocks of five trees. Proximally sensed PAR interception data measured using a lightbar mounted on a mobile platform and a crop growth model were used to estimate potential yields of almond and walnut trees. An analytical model was developed to estimate PAR intercepted by the tree in which tree canopy was assumed to be spherical in shape. PAR intercepted by a tree was estimated taking into account the effect of row spacing, tree spacing within the row, latitude and longitude of the orchard, day of the year and row orientation. Scans were collected at solar noon in almond and walnut orchards during the 2012 and 2013 growing seasons. Diurnal scans were also collected during the 2012 season and were used to validate the model. Estimated versus measured data of PAR interception in almond and walnut trees had coefficient of determination of 0.86 and 0.94, respectively. The coefficient of determination values for the relationship between actual yield and absolute midday PAR intercepted were 0.81 and 0.63 for almond and walnut trees, respectively. Actual yield from those trees with lower values of midday PAR interception was found to be closer to their respective potential yield than those trees with higher values of midday PAR interception. The results suggest that there is a potential to use spatially variable PAR interception data to implement site-specific input (i.e, nutrient and water) management and enhance production. . An Inexpensive Aerial Platform for Precise Remote Sensing of Almond and Walnut Canopy Temperature: This study was conducted to explore the feasibility of remotely measuring canopy temperature of walnut and almond trees with a small, inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). An infrared (IR) point sensor was installed with a lightweight camera on the underside of a multi-rotor UAV. The UAV was flown over a targeted tree canopy recording temperature and images. Image classification was used to identify the ground contents of each temperature measurement, and a linear system of equations utilizing the image/temperature records pertaining to a targeted tree canopy was established to approximate the temperature of the sunlit and shaded portions of that canopy. Analyses of three flights over almond tree canopies approximated the temperatures of the sunlit and shaded portions of the canopies within an average of 2.2oC of their respective ground truths for both portions, and analyses of four flights over walnut canopies approximated the sunlit and shaded portions within 1.0 and 1.3oC of their respective ground truths, the average difference for all temperature approximations between the seven trees being 1.5oC. With canopy temperatures ranging from 16 to 40oC, the approximations fit a linear trend with a coefficient of determination (r2 value) of 0.96.The use of an IR sensor coupled with a camera to establish a linear system of equations for individual trees showed promising ability to approximate a tree's canopy temperature. This method also has the advantage of distinguishing between the sunlit and shaded portions of the canopy. 5. Design and testing of a system to measure locations of fruits in tree canopies: A mobile system was built, which utilizes radio waves and trilateration to measure the locations of fruits inside tree canopies. The system achieved accuracy better than 20 cm, 95% of the time (mean error is 11 cm) within a large digitizing volume of 15 m3, and a fruit position digitization rate of approximately 1 fruit per second. The system was tested successfully in commercial orchards; its high digitizing rate makes it practical to map the variability of fruit properties within tree canopies, for large numbers of trees. 6. Thermal Camera based Plant Water Stress Measurement System: A real-time, continuous, plant water-stress monitoring system was developed for studying plant development and environmental responses in cultivated and wild species of tomato. The system allows continuous and remote monitoring of canopy temperature and the growing environment in order to better characterize potential genetic resources that can be used for crop breeding in tomato, with a particular focus on developing enhanced crop varieties and cultivation practices to cope with environmental stresses and climate change, which are key components for meeting the challenge of increased food production under increasingly unpredictable climate conditions
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Dhillon, R., V. Udompetaikul, F. Rojo, J. Roach, S. Upadhyaya, D. Slaughter, B. Lampinen, and K. Shackel. 2014. Detection of plant water stress using leaf temperature and microclimatic measurements in almond, walnut, and grape crops. Trans. ASABE. 57(1):297-304.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Dhillon, R., F. Rojo, J. Roach, S. Upadhyaya and M. Delwiche. 2014. A continuous leaf monitoring system for precision irrigation management in orchard crops. J. Agr. Machinery Sci. 10(4):267-272.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Dhillon, R. S., F. Rojo, J. Roach, and S. Upadhyaya. 2014. Handheld sensor suite for plant water status measurements and a comparison of different techniques to measure canopy temperature in orchard crops. ASABE paper 141893976. ASABE St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Rojo, F., R. S. Dhillon, S. Upadhyaya, J. Roach, K. Crawford, B. Lampinen, and S. Metcalf. 2014. Modeling canopy light interception for estimating potential yield in almond and walnut trees. ASABE paper 141896144. ASABE St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Crawford, K., J. Roach, R. Dhillon, F. Rojo., and S. K. Upadhyaya. 2014. An inexpensive aerial platform for precise remote sensing of almond and walnut canopy temperature. A paper presented at the 12th International Conference on Precision Agriculture in Sacramento, CA, USA. July 20-23.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Rojo, F., R. Dhillon, S. Upadhyaya, B. Jenkins., B. Lampinen, J. Roach, K. Crawford, and S. Metcalf. 2014. Modeling canopy light interception for estimating yield in almond and walnut trees. A paper presented at the 12th International Conference on Precision Agriculture in Sacramento, CA, USA. July 20-23.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Dhillon, R., F. Rojo., J. Roach., R. Coates, S. K. Upadhyaya, M. Delwiche, and C. Han. 2014. Development and evaluation of a leaf monitoring systemfor continuous measurement of plant water status in almond and walnut crops. A paper presented at the 12th International Conference on Precision Agriculture in Sacramento, CA, USA. July 20-23.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Arikapudi, R., Vougioukas, S., Jimenez-Jimenez, F., Khosro Anjom, F., Elkins, R., Ingels, C. (2014). Design, error characterization and testing of a system to measure locations of fruits in tree canopies. Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Sacramento, USA.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
(i) Kellen, C. E. 2014. Remote Sensing of Almond and Walnut Tree Canopy Temperatures Using an Inexpensive Infrared Sensor on a Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Unpublished MS thesis. Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of California, Davis. 255pp.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Garrido, M., Perez-Ruiz, M., Valero, C., Gliever, C.J., Hanson, B.D., Slaughter, D.C., 2014. Active Optical Sensors for Tree Stem Detection and Classification in Nurseries. Sensors 14(6): 10783-10803.
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Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: We demonstrated our wetting front sensing and cellular communication system for surface irrigation management to growers, high school students, participants of the sustainable agriculture field day on the UC Davis campus during this year. We also demonstrated our wireless network of sensors and controllers to participants of the Nickel's soil Laboratory Field Day participant on May 15th, 2013. Our 3-bed, synchronized precision vegetable planter was targeted to growers of Californian specialty vegetable row crops. Specifically, the growers of the California Tomato Research Institute (CTRI), a non-profit crop improvement organization of processing tomato growers located in California, were targeted for this research effort. The activities included teaching or mentoring the techniques and inofrmation. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? A masters student was trained and received his MS degree during the reporting year. Four PhD students and one Masters student are currently being trained. Advanced training of a postdoctoral scholar from Spain in the area of advanced technology development and research for precision agriculture was accomplished. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We demonstrated our wetting front sensing and cellular communication system for surface irrigation management to growers, high school students, participants of the sustainable agriculture field day on the UC Davis campus during this year. We also demonstrated our wireless network of sensors and controllers to participants of the Nickel's soil Laboratory Field Day participant on May 15th, 2013. In the transplanter project the information was disseminated via oral presentations to vegetable crops growers in California at their annual research meeting in Davis, CA. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will mainly be working on the sensor development for precision irrigation management. We will also demonstrate our products to growers and make scientific presentations at ASABE and ISPA meetings. In the transplanter project, we plan on developing design concepts for fully automating the synchronization of precision transplanting between adjacent planting modules.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We completed the spot-specific fumigant application to control replant disease and wetting front sensing and cellular communication for surface irrigation management studies during the course of last year. Our main focus during the past year was sensing plant water status for irrigation management and implementing site-specific irrigation using wireless mesh network of sensors and controllers. All experiments were conducted at Nickel's Soil Laboratory in Arbuckle, CA. Two rows of almonds and two rows of walnuts were selected for our study. Both almond and walnut plots were divided into three management zones based on yield, canopy size as determined by the light interception measurement obtained using a lightbar unit, and plant water status data from the last growing season. These management zones corresponded to low, medium and high stress zones. Within each zone three different irrigation management schemes - grower based, Evapo-transpiration based, and stem water potential based -were implemented. A wireless node was included for every block of ten trees. Because of differences in the number of trees along the row, this arrangement resulted in ten nodes for almond crop and eight nodes for walnut crop. Each node included two soil moisture sensors and a controller that actuated a latching solenoid valve. Twenty leaf monitors were also included in the network to measure the plant water status continuously. Sensor data were wirelessly transmitted to a gateway located in a shop near the orchard using repeater nodes. The gateway uploaded the data to the web and provided continuous monitoring of data from remote sites. Sensor data were used to actuate latching solenoid valves to implement various irrigation treatments. Leaf monitor data consisted of leaf temperature, air temperature, wind speed, ambient light level, and relative humidity of the air. These data are currently being analyzed to obtain plant water stress indices. The amount of applied water, yield and quality of nuts were also obtained and are being analyzed. In a separate project headed by Dr. Vougioukas, a novel system was developed, which utilized high-frequency radio signals and trilateration to measure the locations of all fruits in orchard tree canopies. The fruit spatial distribution can provide nsight into the effectiveness of training, pruning, and thinning strategies and their effect on the efficiency of mechanical harvesting systems. Data collection was performed in September 2012 and during July and August 2013, in pear and cling-peach orchards; the geo-referenced locations more than 15,000 fruits were recorded. The fruit location data were analyzed to produce fruit height and distance-to-trunk fruit distribution histograms. Results were presented at growers and extension meetings: North Coast Pear Research Meeting, Ukiah Agricultural Center (2/13/2013); Sacramento River District Pear Research Meeting, Walnut Grove Library meeting Room (2/6/2013). Yet another project headed by Dr. David Slaughter new knowledge on the kinematics of vegetable seedlings and soil during the transplanting process was developed. Dramatic improvement in the level of synchronization in the planting pattern between adjacent finger-type vegetable crop transplanters was achieved compared to the existing commercial equipment currently used on Californian farms. The success achieved in precise and synchronized planting of vegetable crops may influence other engineers working in precision plant care, encouraging them to pursue new machine designs that can utilize the benefits of this new planting technique to provide automated and precise methods of farming.An economic design tool was created to allow economic impacts of various aspects of the system design to be evaluated and to help guide future design improvements to the synchronized planting and weed control systems.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Udompetaikul, V., R. W. Coates, S. K. Upadhyaya, G. T. Browne, M. Shafii and Matt Gillis. 2013. Tractor-mounted, GPS-based spot fumigation system to manage Prunus replant disease. California Agriculture.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Arnold, B. J. 2013. Monitoring and management of surface flows in flood irrigated checks using a network of wireless sensors. A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of MS degree requirements at UC Davis.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Vougioukas, S.G. 2013. Estimation of fruit locations inside orchard tree canopies using radio signal ranging and trilateration. ASABE Annual Intl. Meeting; Paper Number 1595170, Kansas City, Missouri.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Coates, R. w., M. J. Delwiche, A. Broad, and M. Holler. 2013. Wireless sensor network with irrigation valve control. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 96:13-22.
|
Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Alfalfa Irrigation Management using Wetting front Advance Sensors: Our wireless network of wetting front advance sensing and cellular communication system was further tested in a grower field in Davis to development a cutoff irrigation management strategy. The system was demonstrated in Shasta to alfalfa growers. Four units are being used in commercial production at this point in time. Within-row Weed Control System for Transplanted Processing Tomatoes: An improved synchronized precision transplanter was developed and tested during 2012 growing season. The synchronized 3-row transplanter and a synchronized 3-row semi-automated weed control system were successfully tested in grower fields. Precision Canopy and Irrigation Management in Specialty Crops: We continued our field tests by setting up an experimental plot at Nickel's Soil Laboratory, Arbuckle, CA as a part of our USDA, NIFA supported project CA-D-BAE-2082-OG. While more details can be found in the AD-421 report related to this specific project, a brief summary is included here: We have monitored plant water status using pressure chamber, sensor suite, and a leaf monitoring system; measured diurnal and season variation in PAR absorption, and implemented variable rate irrigation in almond and walnut crops using a wireless sensor and controller network. We have also obtained canopy spectral reflectance data using a drone copter at the same site. Moreover, we have collected yield (both quality and quantity) and water use data at this study site and are currently analyzing them. PARTICIPANTS: Shrini K. Upadhyaya, Professor and Project leader Vasu Udompetaikul - Graduate Research Assistant Rajveer Dhillon - Graduate student researcher David Slaughter, Professor M. Perez Ruiz, Visiting Scientist C. Gliever, Graduate Student Researcher Fadi Fathallah, Professor Brandon Miller, Graduate Student Researcher Bruce Lampinen, Extension Specialist Ken Shackel, Professor Francisco Rojo, Graduate Student Researcher TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience is primarily scientific community. However, we have demonstrated our irrigation cut-off strategy to farmers and are planning to demonstrate plant water stress based variable rate irrigation management system to farmers, farm advisers, commodity group leaders, and extension specialists during the upcoming growing season. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Impact: Precision agriculture leads to economical and environmental benefits since it involves applying inputs such as chemicals and water on a site-specific basis to enhance crop yield, reduce inputs, and/or reduce environmental damage. Alfalfa Irrigation Management using Wetting front Advance Sensors: The simple contact type sensors were able to sense the wetting front advance and generate cell phone calls to the irrigators so that they could turn off the irrigation at the right time. The cut-off irrigation strategy has the potential to improve water use efficiency and virtually eliminate environmentally harmful tail discharge. Within-row Weed Control System for Transplanted Processing Tomatoes: Lack of labor availability, increasing cost of that labor, and worker health and safety issues are putting tremendous pressure to develop novel approaches to intra-row cultivation in agricultural production. The concept of synchronized planting and synchronized cultivation equipment can help reduce labor requirements and drudgery related to mechanical weeding in row-crop production. Precision Canopy and Irrigation Management in Specialty Crops: The Phtosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) measurement system can be helpful in managing crop canopy to enhance crop yield and/or improve quality of the product. It can also assist in managing inputs (water and nutrients) to potential yield thus assist in optimizing the use of resources for unit of production and help protect the environment.
Publications
- Manuel Perez Ruiz; David Slaughter; Fadi Fathallah; Chris Gliever; Brandon Miller MECHANICAL WEED MANAGEMENT BASED ON AN ACCURATE ODOMETRY TECHNIQUES CIGR-AgEng 2012 International Conference of Agricultural Engineering, Valenica, Spain July 8-12, 2012
- David C. Slaughter, Manuel Perez-Ruiz, Fadi Fathallah, Shrini Upadhyaya, Chris J. Gliever, Brandon Miller GPS-BASED INTRA-ROW WEED CONTROL SYSTEM: PERFORMANCE AND LABOR SAVINGS CIGR-AgEng 2012 International Conference of Agricultural Engineering, Valenica, Spain July 8-12, 2012
- Manuel Perez-Ruiz and S. K. Upadhyaya 2012. GNSS in Precision Agricultural Operations. Chapater1, In New Approach of Indoor and Outdoor Localization Systems. Edited by F. B. Elbahhar and A. Rivenq. INTECH Open Science Publications. 24 pp.
- Dhillion, R. V. Udompetaikul, F. Rojo, S. Upadhyaya, D. C. Slaughter, B. Lampinen, and K. Shackel. 2012. Evaluation of the sensor suite for detection of plant water stress in orchard and vineyard crops. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference of Precision Agriculture, Indianapolis, IN.
- Udompetaikul, V. 2012. Development of a sensor suite for plant water status determination for irrigation management in specialty crops. Unpublished PhD dissertation, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. University of California, Davis. 95616. 178pp.
|
Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Tree-Planting-Site-Specific Fumigant-Applicator: We have written software that can accomplish the tree planting site-specific application of fumigant using commercially available chemical applicators like AgLeader spray application system. The software creates the tree planting site map and fumigant application zones. The system was tested during the 2011 Fall and was found to work quite well. Alfalfa Irrigation Management using Wetting front Advance Sensors: We have developed wireless network of wetting front advance sensing and cellular communication system and tested it on four different farmers' fields. We have also demonstrated the system to several growers. The system works well and has drawn the attention of several potential users. RTK GPS Mapping of Transplanted Row Crops: New automated equipment systems for sensing and geospatial mapping of crop plants and weed plants for use in automated plant care with applications in site-specific precision agriculture were developed and tested. A new, improved, real-time, vegetable crop transplant mapping system was developed using the Real-Time Kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK GPS) mounted on the tractor itself, and a novel position-aware 3-point implement/tractor hitch, to reduce capital costs for growers already using RTK GPS autoguidance. Hyperspectral Imaging for Weed Identification: New multivariate methods and models were developed and tested for robust individual plant species recognition under thermal stress common in Californian vegetable farms. Research findings were disseminated to Californian specialty crops farmers at regional industry meetings. Research findings were also disseminated to academic and industry individuals at international research conferences. PARTICIPANTS: Shrini K. Upadhyaya, Professor and Project leader Vasu Udompetaikul - Graduate Research Assistant Mir Shafii - Development Engineer Greg Browne - USDA Plant Pathologist Rajat Saha - Graduate Research Assistant David Slaughter, Professor Uriel Rosa, Assistant Professor Wes Wallender, Professor T. S. Rosenstock, Graduate Student Researcher P. H. Brown, Professor M. Perez Ruiz, Visiting Scientist C. Gliever, Graduate Student Researcher J. Aguera, Professor Y. Zhang. Graduate Student Researcher N. Raghuwanshi, Visiting Scientist K. Giles, Professor S. Haneklaus, Professor E. Schnug, Professor Mailapalli, Visiting Scientist H. Choi, Scientist D. Purssell, Scientist TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience is primarily scientific community. However, we plan to demonstrate the cut-off irrigation strategy to stakeholders during 2010 Spring/Summer. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Impact: Precision agriculture leads to economical and environmental benefits since it involves applying inputs such as chemicals and water on a site-specific basis to enhance crop yield, reduce inputs, and/or reduce environmental damage. Tree-Planting-Site-Specific Fumigant-Applicator: The improved system was used in several orchards during 2009 Fall. The system worked very well at all the test sites. The spot fumigant applicator has the potential to reduce the use of harmful and expensive fumigants by a substantial amount (58 to 76% based on planting density) thereby decreasing production cost and harmful effect on the environment. Alfalfa Irrigation Management using Wetting front Advance Sensors: The simple contact type sensors were able to sense the wetting front advance and generate cell phone calls to the irrigators so that they could turn off the irrigation at the right time. The cut-off irrigation strategy has the potential to improve water use efficiency and virtually eliminate environmentally harmful tail discharge. RTK GPS Mapping of Transplanted Row Crops: New knowledge was developed, demonstrating the feasibility of using the RTK GPS autoguidance system inside the tractor to automatically map the location of transplanted row crops in the field as they are planted in real-time. Field test results showed that the mean error between the plant map locations predicted by the planting data and the surveyed locations after planting were comparable to the centimeter-level accuracies obtained when a separate RTK GPS system is mounted on the planter. Overall, the system was capable of automatically producing a centimeter-level accuracy plant map suitable for use in precision plant care tasks such as intra-row weed control. Hyperspectral Imaging for Weed Identification: New knowledge regarding the impact of thermal environmental stress on the spectral reflectance of tomato and weed seedlings was generated, quantifying the improvement of certain visual features under thermal stress and leading to new methods and recommendations for site-specific calibration of hyperspectral imaging systems. Several new multivariate classification modeling systems were evaluated and the relative performance of each classification method was quantified for plants grown under normal and thermally stressful conditions.
Publications
- Rosa, U. A., T. S. Rosenstock, H. Choi, D. Pursell, C. J. Gliver, P. H. Brown, and S. K. Upadhyaya. 2011. Design and evaluation of a yield monitoring system for pistachios. Transactions of the ASABE. 54(5):1555-1567.
- Perez-Ruiz M., Aguera J., Gil J. A., Slaughter, DC. 2011. Optimization of agrochemical application in olive groves based on positioning sensor Precision Agriculture.12(4):564-575. Perez-Ruiz, M., D. C. Slaughter, C. Gliver, and S. K. Upadhyaya. 2011. Tractor based Real time Kinematic-Global Positioning System (RTK-GPS) guidance system for geospatial mapping of row crop transplant. Biosystems Engineering 111(1):64-71.
- Zhang, Y., D. C. Slaughter, 2011. Hyperspectral species mapping for automatic weed control in tomato under thermal environmental stress. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 77(1):95-104.
- Perez-Ruiz, M., D. C. Slaughter, C. Gliver, and S. K. Upadhyaya. 2011. Automatic GPS-based intra-row weed knife control system for transplanted row crops. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. Online.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Tree-Planting-Site-Specific Fumigant-Applicator: We are currently working with TriCal Inc and AgLeader Technology to adapt our High Precision Differential Global Positioning System (HP-DGPS) based tree-specific fumigant applicator to treat replant disease in almonds so that it works with the commercial software/hardware already available through AgLeader Technology. The availability of network based RTK correction system has made it possible to utilize this higher accuracy (less than 1 cm) system to enhance the performance of our approach even further. With the level of interest shown by both AgLeader Technology and TriCal Inc., we are hoping to have a commercial system available for the 2011 planting season. Alfalfa Irrigation Management using Wetting front Advance Sensors: We demonstrated our wetting front advance sensing system that is capable of generating a cell phone call to assist the irrigators to farmers, farm advisers, and extension specialists on May 18, 2010. We expect to conduct additional field studies and demonstrations during 2011 growing season. RTK GPS Mapping of Transplanted Row Crops: Field tests were conducted to determine the performance and accuracy of the positive-placement vegetable crop transplanter retrofitted with an RTK GPS receiver, plant, inclination, and odometry sensors, and an onboard real-time data logger to map transplants during planting and utilize that information to control weeds using specially developed cultivator tines. Moreover, a semiautomatic system in which a human being looked for the weeds in between plants along a plant line and pushed a button to activate the cultivator tines was also investigated. This system released the human operator of the tedious job of hoeing the weeds. The system appeared to work well and additional tests are expected to be conducted during this year. Canopy Light Absorption Measurement System: Our Lightbar system that can measure absorption in orchard crops was extensively during 2010 growing season in almond, walnut, and peach orchards and valuable data that represents spatial variability in PAR absorption have been obtained. These data are expected to be helpful in canopy architecture management. A newer model which can easily change operating width that can be utilized in orchards and vineyard has been developed and will be tested during the upcoming growing season. Similar systems will also be built in Washington State and Arizona and tested in pecans, hazel nuts (Oregon), and apples. Sensor Suite to Measure Plant water status: A sensor suite that consists of a thermal infrared sensor, PAR sensor, and an ambient temperature, humidity and wind speed sensors was developed and tested in almond and walnut orchards. The results indicate that system worked very well for walnuts and reasonably well for almonds. We expect to make additional improvements to our sensor suite and hope to make it perform better for almonds. Moreover, we expect to use this system in grapes also during the 2011 growing season. PARTICIPANTS: Shrini K. Upadhyaya, Professor and Project leader Vasu Udompetaikul, Graduate Research Assistant Greg Browne, USDA Plant Pathologist Rajat Saha, Graduate Research Assistant David Slaughter, Professor Uriel Rosa, Assistant Professor Bruce Lampinen, Extension Specialist Wes Wallender, Professor M. Perez Ruiz, Visiting Scientist C. Gliever, Graduate Student Researcher TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience is primarily scientific community. However, we plan to demonstrate the cut-off irrigation strategy to stakeholders during 2011 Spring/Summer. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Impact: Precision agriculture leads to economical and environmental benefits since it involves applying inputs such as chemicals and water on a site-specific basis to enhance crop yield, reduce inputs, and/or reduce environmental damage. Tree-Planting-Site-Specific Fumigant-Applicator: The spot fumigant applicator has the potential to reduce the use of harmful and expensive fumigants by a substantial amount (58 to 76% based on planting density) thereby decreasing production cost and harmful effect on the environment. Alfalfa Irrigation Management using Wetting front Advance Sensors: The central unit was able to monitor a network of wireless, contact type water arrival sensors and generate cell phone calls to irrigators so that they could turn off the irrigation at the right time. The cut-off irrigation strategy has the potential to improve water use efficiency and virtually eliminate environmentally harmful tail discharge. RTK GPS Based Mapping of Transplanted Row Crops: RTK GPS based plant/transplant mapping system has the potential to implement intra-row weed control in row crop/vegetable crop production. This approach can reduce the cost and labor requirements for weed control in vegetable crop production. Moreover, the possibility of using a manually triggered weed control arm can reduce the drudgery involved in hand hoeing weeds. Canopy Light Absorption Measurement System: Canopy light absorption measurement system can provide valuable data that can help manage the canopy architecture and orchard floor temperature to enhance production and minimize microbial contamination of nuts that present potential health risk. Sensor Suite to Measure Plant water status: Plant water status is the key to implement a precise irrigation management system for orchard crops. We expect that precision management of water in orchard and vineyard crops can improve crop quality and quantity and help conserve water, which is extremely critical in the drier climate of the western United States.
Publications
- Upadhyaya, S. K., D. K. Giles, S. Haneklaus, and E. Schnug. 2010. Advanced engineering systems for specialty crops: A review of Precision Agriculture for water, chemical, nutrient application, and yield monitoring. Author and editor. vTi Special Issue 340. 88p.
- Udompetaikul, V, S. K. Upadhyaya, and B. Vannucci. 2010. The Effect of tire inflation pressure on fuel consumption of an agricultural tractor operating on paved roads. Accepted for publication in Trans ASABE.
- Raghuwanshi, N. S., R. Saha, D. R. Mailapalli, and S. K. Upadhyaya. 2011. Infiltration evaluation strategy for boarder irrigation management. Accepted for publication in Journal of Irrigation and Drainage management.
- Saha, R., N. S. Raghuwanshi, S. K. Upadhyaya, W. W. Wallander, and D. C. Slaughter. 2011. A sensor based cellular communication system to implement cutoff irrigation in alfalfa. Accepted for publication in Cal. Agr.
- Udompetaikul, V., S. K. Upadhyaya, D. C. Slaughter, and B. D. Lampinen. 2010. Development of a sensor suite to determine plant water potential. ASABE International Conference. Paper No. 1009450, ASABE St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Udompetaikul, V., S. K. Upadhyaya, D. C. Slaughter, and B. D. Lampinen. 2010. Development of a sensor suite to determine plant water potential. International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, Co. Paper No. 391.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Tree-Planting-Site-Specific Fumigant-Applicator: A High Precision Differential Global Positioning System (HP-DGPS) based tree-specific fumigant applicator to treat replant disease in almonds was modified to overcome nozzle clogging problems associated with the 2008 version. TriCal Inc is interested in retrofitting some of their fumigant applicators with systems similar to the one we developed in the near future. We expect to include additional software features that will enable creation of as applied map for record keeping purposes in the 2010 version. Alfalfa Irrigation Management using Wetting front Advance Sensors: We have developed wetting front advance sensors and tested them in four alfalfa checks on the UC Davis campus to evaluate the possibility of developing a cutoff irrigation strategy for border irrigated alfalfa crop. We expect to demonstrate this technique to stakeholders during Spring/Summer 2010. Pistachio Yield Monitor: A yield monitoring system has been developed for studying the yield behavior of pistachio trees in two commercial orchards for the last seven years. A mature and a juvenile orchard owned and managed by Paramount Farming Co., CA, have been harvested to acquire yield data associated with individual trees, and to demonstrate and evaluate the system capabilities. The system includes a DGPS based automated row identification system, which is operational outside the orchard canopy. Inside dense orchard canopies, an algorithm was developed and implemented to use real-time sensed odometric information to localize trees. RTK GPS Mapping of Transplanted Row Crops: A positive-placement vegetable crop transplanter retrofitted with an RTK GPS receiver, plant, inclination, and odometry sensors, and an onboard real-time data logger were used for transplant mapping in the field during planting. Sensing the location where each plant was placed in the soil using an absolute shaft encoder mounted on the planting wheel proved to be more robust and accurate than using an infrared light beam sensor to detect the stem location of each plant immediately after planting. Automatic Weed Control in Tomatoes through X-ray Stem Sensing: A research prototype system, based upon X-Ray stem sensing technology was developed for automatic weed control in tomato fields. Experimental field trials were conducted to assess the performance of the system. Research findings were disseminated to Californian specialty crops farmers at regional vegetable grower meetings. Research findings were also disseminated to academic and industry individuals at a national research conference. PARTICIPANTS: Shrini K. Upadhyaya, Professor and Project leader Vasu Udompetaikul - Graduate Research Assistant Mir Shafii - Development Engineer Greg Browne - USDA Plant Pathologist Rajat Saha - Graduate Research Assistant David Slaughter, Professor Uriel Rosa, Assistant Professor Wes Wallender, Professor T. S. Rosenstock, Graduate Student Researcher R. E. Plant, Professor P. H. Brown, Professor H. Sun., Graduate Student Researcher M. Perez Ruiz, Visiting Scientist C. Gliever, Graduate Student Researcher R. F. Smith, Research Scientist R. Haff, research Engineer TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience is primarily scientific community. However, we plan to demonstrate the cut-off irrigation strategy to stakeholders during 2010 Spring/Summer. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Impact: Precision agriculture leads to economical and environmental benefits since it involves applying inputs such as chemicals and water on a site-specific basis to enhance crop yield, reduce inputs, and/or reduce environmental damage. Tree-Planting-Site-Specific Fumigant-Applicator: The improved system was used in several orchards during 2009 Fall. The system worked very well at all the test sites. The spot fumigant applicator has the potential to reduce the use of harmful and expensive fumigants by a substantial amount (58 to 76% based on planting density) thereby decreasing production cost and harmful effect on the environment. Alfalfa Irrigation Management using Wetting front Advance Sensors: The simple contact type sensors were able to sense the wetting front advance and generate cell phone calls to the irrigators so that they could turn off the irrigation at the right time. The cut-off irrigation strategy has the potential to improve water use efficiency and virtually eliminate environmentally harmful tail discharge. Pistachio Yield Monitor: A mature and a juvenile orchard owned and managed by Paramount Farming Co., CA, have been harvested to acquire yield data associated with individual trees, and to demonstrate and evaluate the system capabilities. Greater than 20,000 tree yields obtained from 32.5 ha of the mature orchard were included in this analysis. The yield monitor is a critical part of the precision agriculture as it helps to determine the extent of spatial variability and need for site-specific nutrient, chemical, and/or water management system. RTK GPS Mapping of Transplanted Row Crops: Field test results showed that the mean error between the plant map locations predicted by the planting data and the surveyed locations after planting was 2 cm, with 95% of the predicted plant locations being within 5.1cm of their actual locations. Overall, the system was capable of automatically producing a centimeter-level accuracy plant map suitable for use in precision plant are tasks such as intra-row weed control. Automatic Weed Control in Tomatoes through X-ray Stem Sensing: Field trial results, conducted at a travel speed of 1.6 km/h, showed that the X-Ray detection system correctly identified all main stems of standing tomato plants with no false positives. The sensor was successfully integrated with a pair of mechanical weed knives and demonstrated to be suitable for in-row weed control tasks, where crop plants are most vulnerable to competition for resources. The system can greatly benefit farmers and consumers by reducing hand weeding costs and also by reducing the amount of chemical herbicides required for vegetable crop production.
Publications
- T. S. Rosenstock, U. A. Rosa, R. E. Plant, P. H. Brown. 2010. Scentia Holticulturae A reevaluation of alternate bearing in pistachio 124: 149-152.
- H. Sun., D. C. Slaughter, M. Perez Ruiz, C. Gliever, S. K. Upadhyaya, and R. F. Smith. 2010. RTK GPS Planting of transplanted row crops. Computer and Electronics in Agriculture. 71:32-37.
- R. Haff., and D.C.Slaughter. 2009. X-ray based stem detection in an automatic tomato weeding system. ASABE Paper No. 096050. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE.
- R. Saha, S. K. Upadhyaya, and W. W. Wallender. 2009. Development of an Inverse Solution Technique that Utilizes Response Surface Methodology to Predict Parameters Used in Soil-Water Transport Model. ASABE Paper 096507. ASABE St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- R. Saha, S. K. Upadhyaya, and W. W. Wallender. 2009. Development of a Model Based Cutoff Strategy for Surface Irrigation using Sensor Based Cellular Communication System. International FSES conference, Kharagpur, India. December 16-18, 2009.
- R. Saha, S. K. Upadhyaya, and W. W. Wallender. 2010. A modified hortons equation to model advance trajectory in furrow irrigation system. J. Irrigation and Drainage (In Press).
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Tree Planting Site Specific Fumigant Applicator: A High Precision Differential Global Positioning System (HP-DGPS) based tree-specific fumigant applicator to treat replant disease in almonds was further improved such that gridding and spot-specific fumigant application processes were combined and implemented using a precision fumigant application controller. The system could be driven to the four corners of an orchard and the corner locations determined by the HP GPS unit. Following this, the system would grid the whole orchard based on the row spacing, tree spacing along the row, and planting pattern. Once the gridding is completed the applicator could be driven to those grid locations and spot-specific amount of fumigant applied. A navigation system was developed to assist the operator with applicator guidance. Both the gridding and navigation processes were menu driven using a touch screen. The system worked quite well during the initial testing phase at UC Davis. During the field tests the system appeared to work well. However, contaminants in the fumigant tended to clog the nozzles. We plan to overcome this problem during the next season. PARTICIPANTS: Shrini K. Upadhyaya, Professor and Project leader Vasu Udompetaikul Graduate Research Assistant Mir Shafii Development Engineer Greg Browne USDA Plant Pathologist Daniel Neves Visiting Researcher Bernard Jahn Former Graduate Researcher TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience is primarily scientific community. However, the spot specific fumigant was shown to over 100 participants during a recent 2008 summer Orchard Management without Methyl Bromide in Parlier, CA PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Precision agriculture leads to economical and environmental benefits since it involves applying inputs such as chemicals and water on a site specific basis to enhance crop yield, reduce inputs, and/or reduce environmental damage. The spot fumigant applicator has the potential to reduce the use of harmful and expensive fumigants by a substantial amount (58 to 76% based on planting density) thereby decreasing production cost and harmful effect on the environment.
Publications
- Upadhyaya, S. K., V. Udompetaikul, M. S. Shafii, and G. T. Browne. 2008. Design, Development and Evaluation of a tree planting site specific fumigant applicator. Proceedings of the first International Symposium on Precision Agriculture for Fruits and Vegetables, January 7 9, Orlando, FL.
- Jahn, B. R. and S. K. Upadhyaya. 2008. Determination of soil nitrate and organic matter content using mid infrared spectroscopy. Proceeding of the international Workshop on High Resolution Digital Soil Mapping, February 4 7, Sydney, Australia.
- Udompetaikul, V, M. S. Shafii, S. K. Upadhyaya, G. Browne, and D. Neves. 2008. Planting Site Specific Application of Fumigant in Orchards. ASABE Paper No. 083775. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI 49085
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
Tree-Planting-Site-Specific Fumigant-Applicator: A High Precision Differential Global Positioning System (HP-DGPS) based tree-specific fumigant applicator to treat replant disease in almonds was further developed to improve accuracy and tested extensively near the Western Center for Agricultural Equipment (WCAE) on the UC Davis campus. The road and field test results indicated that the system had a very good accuracy level (less than 15 cm). The applicator was successfully used to treat three orchards during Fall 2007. This type of fumigant applicator is expected to reduce the chemical use by 58 to 76% and reduce production cost by $120 to 155/acre. Pistachio Yield Monitor: Yield monitors can be beneficial for studying the yielding behavior of pistachio trees to improve orchard productivity, field management, and investigate the mechanisms causing alternate bearing. Two pistachio yield monitoring systems developed at UCD and enhanced for the 2007 harvesting season were
retrofitted onto commercial pistachio catch-frame harvesters. A unique, automated, DGPS based row identification system coupled with an odometric based tree locating system along the row was developed. In 2007, yields of approximately 80,000 trees belonging to Paramount Farming Co. were recorded and analyzed. In addition, six-year yield maps have been created and analyzed. The results show large yield variability among trees within an orchard. Olive Yield Monitor: During the 2007 harvesting season, an olive harvester provided by Dave Smith Engineering (Model: DSE 007) was retro-fitted with two synchronized yield monitoring systems - a UCD Bio-automation Lab (BAL) custom built yield monitor (OYMO7) and a commercial AgLeader Insight yield monitoring system. The OYMO7 logged input from a custom built bin scale mounted on the harvester forks. Both monitors logged all relevant data at the same sampling rate. Preliminary tests conducted during the 2007 harvesting season showed promising
results. Wetting Front Monitoring System: Improved water arrival sensors were deployed in flood irrigated alfalfa checks on the UC Davis campus to obtain wetting front advance data. These data were successfully used to verify a previously developed model to predict wetting front advance. Precision Hyperspectral Weed Control System: Ten popular tomato cultivars, black nightshade and pigweed were grown under four different air temperatures to evaluate the performance of the hyperspectral weed mapping system under different growing conditions. In general, tomato recognition rates were good with most cultivars recognized in the high 80% to low 90 % range across all temperatures. The recognition rate for pigweed was high (above 90%) at all temperature treatments. The recognition rate for black nightshade was very good (above 90%) at all nighttime air temperatures except for the 48-degree treatment where it dropped to
Impacts
Precision agriculture leads to economical and environmental benefits since it involves applying inputs such as chemicals and water on a site-specific basis to enhance crop yield, reduce inputs, and/or reduce environmental damage.
Publications
- Upadhyaya, S. K. 2007. Interpretation of empirical parameters involved in UC Davis traction prediction equations. ASABE Paper no. 071108. ASABE St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Coates, R., Shafii, S., Upadhyaya, S. K., and Brown, G. 2007. Site-specific fumigant applicator for prevention of almond replant disease. ASABE Paper No. 071080. ASABE St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Saha, R., Oliveira, J., Upadhyaya, S. K., Wallender, W. W., and Slaughter, D. C. 2007. Development of a model for monitoring and predicting wetting front advancement in surface irrigated fields using a network of sensors. ASABE Paper 072069. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Lam, Y., Slaughter, D. C., Wallender, W. W., and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2007. Machine vision monitoring for control of water advance in furrow irrigation. Trans ASAE. 50(2):371-378.
- Andrade-Sanchez, P., and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2007. Using GIS and on-the-go soil strength sensing technology for variable-depth tillage assessment. CH.9 In_GIS Applications in Agriculture. Edited by F. J. Pierce and D. Clay. CEC Press. NY. P163-184.
- Sudduth, K. A., Chung, S., Andrade-Sanchez, P., and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2007. Field comparison of two prototype soil strength profile sensors. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture (In Press).
- Andrade-Sanchez, P., Upadhyaya, S. K., and Jenkins, B. M. 2007. Development, construction, and field evaluation of a soil compaction profile sensor. Transactions of the ASABE.50(3):719-725.
- Garciano, L. O., Upadhyaya, S. K., Jones, R. A., and Jersey, S. R. 2007. Determination of the soil failure zone (zone of influence) around a cone penetrometer. Journal of Terramechanics. 44(3):265-273.
- Slaughter, D. C., Giles, D. K., and Downey, D. 2008. In Press. Autonomous robotic weed control systems: A review. Computers and Electronics in Ag. doi:10.1016/j.compag.2007.05.008
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Real-time nitrate sensors are useful for monitoring ground and drainage water for nitrate contamination, and measuring and mapping soil nitrate content for site-specific nitrate fertilizer application. A mid-infrared (MIR) based soil nitrate sensor was developed that was able to determine nitrate content concentration in soil pastes derived from several different field soils obtained from the United States and Israel. A rugged, variable filter based, low cost spectrophotometer was evaluated to determine if it could be used to detect soil nitrate, phosphorus and organic matter content. The results show that this rugged spectrometer can be used to develop soil nitrate and organic matter content. Weigh buckets are simple and inexpensive alternatives for weigh wagons used for measuring crop yield during fields trials. An impact type electronic weigh bucket was further tested during the 2006 tomato harvesting season. The results indicated that the unit was quite accurate
if a stop and go (i.e., stop every 25 to 33 ft. row) method of harvest was used. The method was not accurate if a longer section of the row (100 ft. or more) was harvested (a preferred technique by the farm advisers and farmers) at a time. A High Precision Differential Global Positioning System (HP-DGPS) based tree-specific fumigant applicator to treat replant disease in almonds was developed and tested in an almond orchard prior to planting. This type of fumigant applicator is expected to reduce the chemical use by 58 to 76% and reduce cost by $120 to 155/acre. This would not only reduce the production cost for the growers but also minimize the environmental impact due to the fumigants.
Impacts
Precision agriculture leads to economical and environmental benefits since it involves applying inputs such as chemicals and water on a site-specific basis to enhance crop yield, reduce inputs, and/or reduce environmental damage.
Publications
- Jahn, B. R., Linker, R., Upadhyaya, S. K., Shavis, A., Slaughter, D. C. and Shmulevi, I. 2006. Mid-infrared spectroscopic determination of soil nitrate content. Biosystems Engineering 94(4):505-515.
- Upadhyaya, S. K., Shafii, M. S. and Garciano, L. O. 2006. Development of an impact type electronic weighing system for processing tomatoes. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Paper No. 06-1190, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Jahn, B. R. and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2006. Development of mid-infrared-based calibration equations for predicting soil nitrate, phosphate, and organic matter concentrations. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Paper No. 06-1058, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Sakai, S., Andrade, P. and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2005. Periodicity and hierarchial orders of soil cutting force data detected by an auto-regressive error distribution function (AREF). Transactions of the ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers) 48(6):2039-2046.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Real-time nitrate sensors are useful for monitoring ground and drainage water for nitrate contamination, and measuring and mapping soil nitrate content for site-specific nitrate fertilizer application. A mid-infrared (MIR) based soil nitrate sensor was developed that was able to determine nitrate content concentration in soil pastes derived from several different field soils obtained from US and Israel. The technique utilizes the MIR response corresponding to four different wavelengths. A low-cost spectrophotometer was evaluated to determine if it could be used to detect soil nitrate content. The results show good promise for the method. This technique is currently being extended to determine soil phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter. Weigh buckets are simple and inexpensive alternatives for weigh wagons used for measuring crop yield during fields trials. An impact-type electronic weigh bucket was further modified and tested during the 2005 tomato harvesting
season. A folding mechanism was added which removes the weigh bucket away from the boom conveyor so that continuous harvesting can be done without actually removing the weigh bucket. The device was successfully retrofitted on to both Johnson and FMC harvesters. A High Precision Differential Global Positioning System (HP-DGPS) based tree-specific fumigant applicator to treat re-plant disease in almonds is being developed. This type of fumigant applicator is expected to reduce the chemical cost substantially and minimize the environmental effects de to fumigants.
Impacts
Precision agriculture leads to economic and environmental benefits since it involves applying inputs such as chemicals and water on a site-specific basis to enhance crop yield, reduce inputs, and/or reduce environmental damage.
Publications
- Jahn, B. R., Brooksby, P. A. and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2005. Wavelet-based spectral analysis for soil nitrate measurement. Accepted for publication in Transactions of the ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers).
- Koller, M. and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2005. Prediction of processing tomato yield using a crop growth model and remotely sensed aerial images. Accepted for publication in Transactions of the ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers).
- Jahn, B. R., Linker, R. and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2005. Analysis of soil fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection spectral data using wavelet analysis to determine soil nitrate content. American Society of Agricultural Engineers Paper No. 05-1032. 11 pages including 7 figures and 1 table.
- Koller, M. and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2005. Relationship between modified normalized difference vegetation index and leaf area index for processing tomatoes. Transactions of the ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers) 21(5):927-933.
- Sakai, S, Andrade, P. and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2005. Development of an Auto-regressive error distribution function (AREF) to investigate hierarchical orders of soil cutting force data in a Yolo loam field. Accepted for publication in Transactions of the ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers).
- Christensen, L, Upadhyaya, S. K., Jahn, B. R., Slaughter, D. C., Tan, E. and Hills, D. 2005. Determining the influence of water deficiency on NPK stress discrimination in maize spectral and spatial information. Accepted for publication in Journal of Precision Agriculture.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
(1) Real-time nitrate sensors are useful for monitoring ground and drainage water for nitrate contamination, and measuring and mapping soil nitrate content for site-specific nitrate fertilizer application. A mid-infrared (MIR) based soil nitrate sensor was developed that was able to determine nitrate content concentration in soil pastes derived from several different soils. The technique utilizes the MIR response corresponding to four different wavelengths. (2) Weigh buckets are simple and inexpensive alternatives for weigh wagons used for measuring crop yield during fields trials. An impact type electronic weigh bucket was tested during the 2004 tomato harvesting season. This device was lighter and worked well in the field. The unit could be easily retrofitted to the tomato harvester boom conveyor and allowed the continuous operation of the harvester. (3) A network of water arrival sensors was used in several flood irrigated alfalfa fields to determine wetting front
advance rate. Tests were conducted in three different locations (Davis, Woodland, Lemoore) and three different checks at each of those locations to verify if wetting front advance timing can assist in determining advance rate curves. These curves are expected to be useful in implementing cutoff irrigation management scheme. (4) UC Davis compaction profile sensor was tested in two different soil conditions on the UC Davis campus to relate its output to infiltration variability in the field. The field data are currently being analyzed.
Impacts
Precision agriculture leads to economical and environmental benefits since it involves applying inputs such as chemicals and water on a site-specific basis to enhance crop yield, reduce inputs, and/or reduce environmental damage.
Publications
- Cerri, D. G., Upadhyaya, S. K. and Leal, J. 2004. Development of an electronic weigh bucket. ASAE Paper 041097. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Andrade, P. and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2004. Development and evaluation of the UC Davis soil compaction profile sensor. Proceedings of the 2004 European Agricultural Engineering Conference, Leuven, Belgium.
- Malcolm, J., Upadhyaya, S. K. and Rosa, U. A. 2004. The relationship between variability in crop yield and variability in soil physical properties. Proceedings of the First International Conference on Emerging Technologies in Agricultural and Food Engineering, IIT Kharagpur, India. pp. 26-32.
- Adamchuk, V. I., Hummel, J. W., Morgan, M. T. and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2004. On-the-go soil sensors for precision agriculture. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 44(1):71-91.
- Ehsani, M. R., Upadhyaya, S. K. and Mattson, M. L. 2004. Seed location mapping using RTK GPS. Transactions of the ASAE 47(3):909-914.
- Andrade, P. S., Upadhyaya, S. K., Aguera-vega, J. and Jenkins, B. M. 2004. Evaluation of a capacitance based soil moisture sensor for real-time applications. Transactions of the ASAE 47(4):1281-1287.
- Andrade, P., Upadhyaya, S. K., Jenkins, B. M., Plouffe, C. and Poutre, B. 2004. Field evaluation of the improved version of the UC Davis compaction profile sensor (UCD-CPS). ASAE Paper 041037. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Jahn, B. R., Upadhyaya, S. K., Brooksby, P. and Verbovyy, D. 2004. Analysis of soil FTIR/ATR spectral data using wavelet analysis to determine soil nitrate content. ASAE Paper 041043. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Jahn, B., Upadhyaya, S., Brooksby, P., Linker, R. and Saviv, A. 2004. Analysis of soil FTIR/ATR spectral data using wavelet analysis to determine soil nitrate content. Proceedings of the 2004 European Agricultural Engineering Conference, Leuven, Belgium.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Remote sensing has the potential for obtaining large amounts of soil and plant data inexpensively and rapidly. We have successfully related vegetative indices derived from aerial images to leaf area index (LAI) and developed a model to predict crop yield using these LAI values and California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) data. This approach shows promise in developing yield maps that are critical for managing nutrients in a precision farming system. Weigh buckets are simple and inexpensive alternatives for weigh wagons used for measuring crop yield during fields trials. A modified version of the 2002 electronic weigh bucket was tested during the 2003 tomato harvesting season. The modified version was lighter and worked well in the field. A new and simple weigh bucket was also developed and tested during the 2003 season. Infrared thermometry was used to control the speed of a lateral move irrigation machine, such that a desired depth of water was
applied as needed within a corn field Automatic control was achieved by inputting relative humidity, canopy and air temperature data into a PLC, which calculated the crop water stress index.
Impacts
Precision agriculture leads to economical and environmental benefits since it involves applying inputs such as chemicals and water on a site-specific basis to enhance crop yield, reduce inputs, and/or reduce environmental damage.
Publications
- Heidman, B., Rosa, U. A., Brown, P. H., and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2003. Development of a pistachio yield monitoring system. American Society of Agricultural Engineers Paper 03-1040. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI.
- Abidine, A., Upadhyaya, S. K. and Leal, J. 2003. Development of an electronic weigh bucket. American Society of Agricultural Engineers Paper 03-1043. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI.
- Andrade, P., Upadhyaya, S. K. and Sakai, K. 2003. Variability in draft data observed during tillage. American Society of Agricultural Engineers Paper 03-1121. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI.
- Koller, M. and Upadhyaya, S. K. 2003. Processing tomato yield prediction using vegetative indices derived from aerial images. Proceedings of the 30th International Conference on Remote Sensing and Environment. Paper No. TS-32.3. East-West Center/Pacific Disaster Center, HI.
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