Progress 02/23/02 to 01/28/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1) Develop and test cost-effective, high resolution airborne electronic imaging systems (i.e., multispectral and hyperspectral) for agricultural and natural resources management; 2) integrate airborne imagery, global positioning system (GPS), and geographic information system (GIS) technologies with precision agriculture for mapping and managing withinfield plant growth and yield variability; and 3) use spatial information technologies for pest management and environmental assessment. Approach (from AD-416) Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral imaging systems will be evaluated for detecting and distinguishing noxious weeds on rangelands and in waterways, diseases in citrus, and effluent discharges in two river systems in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Also, airborne imagery, global positioning system (GPS), yield monitoring systems, image processing, and ground sampling techniques will be used to identify within-field spatial and temporal variability. Data will be collected from grain sorghum, cotton, and corn fields and citrus orchards in south Texas. A variable rate applicator will be used to evaluate agronomic and economic viability of variable rate applications. Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral imagery will be used to identify new spectral bands and band combinations for pest management, water quality assessment and precision agriculture applications. Accomplishments Distinguish Two Aquatic Weeds in South Texas Using Satellite Imagery: Waterhyacinth and waterlettuce are two floating aquatic weeds that invade freshwater waterways in the U.S. ARS scientists at Weslaco, TX, conducted a study to determine the potential of using QuickBird satellite imagery for distinguishing infestations of these two weeds in a south Texas reservoir. Accuracy assessments performed on supervised and unsupervised classification maps of subset images from three sites had user�s and producer�s accuracies for waterhyacinth ranging from 74% to 100%. Accuracy assessments performed on supervised and unsupervised classification maps of a single subset image had user�s and producer�s accuracies for waterlettuce ranging from 82% to 100%. These findings indicate that high resolution satellite imagery coupled with image analysis techniques can be useful tools for mapping these two aquatic weeds over extensive and inaccessible areas. (NP201-Water Resource Management). Using Hyperspectral Imagery and Spectral Unmixing Techniques for Mapping Grain Sorghum Yield Variability: Spectral unmixing is an image processing technique used to quantify canopy abundance within each pixel and has the potential for mapping crop yield variability. This study at the Integrated Farming & Natural Resources Research Unit, Weslaco, TX, applied linear spectral unmixing to hyperspectral imagery to generate crop plant and soil abundance images. These abundance images were significantly related to grain yield monitor data and had better correlations with yield than a majority of the normalized difference vegetation indices derived from the hyperspectral imagery. These results indicate that linear spectral unmixing techniques can be used alone or in conjunction with vegetation indices for quantifying crop canopy cover and mapping yield variability. (NP207- Integrated Agricultural Systems). Remote Sensing of Cotton Thermal Defoliation: Thermal defoliation is a nonchemical alternative for terminating cotton growth and preparing it for harvest, making the technique ideal for cotton grown in sustainable systems. For large cotton fields, growers need assistance in examining the effectiveness of thermal defoliation because green leaves remaining on plants reduce the price grade of the cotton and increase the time needed to harvest the fields. ARS scientists at Weslaco, TX, evaluated color-infrared aerial photography as a tool for surveying cotton plots subjected to thermal defoliation. Defoliated and partially defoliated areas within the plots were readily located on the color-infrared aerial photography. Results indicate that color-infrared aerial photography has high potential as a tool for assisting growers in surveying thermally defoliated cotton fields. After visiting suspect areas identified on the photography, producers may opt to reapply the treatment. (NP207-Integrated Agricultural Systems). Using Spatial Information Technologies for Detecting and Mapping Eurasian Watermilfoil Infestations: Eurasian watermilfoil is a perennial aquatic weed that invades freshwater waterways throughout the U.S. A cooperative study was conducted by ARS scientists at Weslaco, TX, and a Bureau of Reclamation scientist at Denver, CO, evaluating remote sensing techniques for distinguishing Eurasian watermilfoil in Texas waterways. Field reflectance measurements showed that Eurasian watermilfoil could be spectrally distinguished from other associated plant species. Eurasian watermilfoil could be distinguished on color-infrared aerial photography and videography where it had a grayish-pink or faint pink image tonal response. The airborne videography was integrated with global positioning system and geographic information system technologies to develop a map showing the distribution of Eurasian watermilfoil infestations along a stretch of the Rio Grande River in southwest Texas. (NP201-Water Resource Management). Use of Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) and Hyperspectral Imagery for Yield Estimation: Hyperspectral imagery contains nearly continuous spectral data and has the potential for better differentiation and estimation of biophysical attributes of interest. This study at the Integrated Farming & Natural Resources Research Unit, Weslaco, TX, applied the spectral angle mapper technique to airborne hyperspectral imagery for estimating grain sorghum yield variability. Results show that grain yield was significantly related to spectral angle values and that spectral angle images derived from the hyperspectral imagery had better correlations with yield than a majority of the normalized difference vegetation indices derived from the imagery. This technique provides a useful tool to convert a hyperspectral image to a single layer image to characterize relative yield variability without using actual yield data. (NP207-Integrated Agricultural Systems). Technology Transfer Number of Non-Peer Reviewed Presentations and Proceedings: 8
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Everitt, J.H., Davis, M.R., Nibling, F.L. 2007. Using spatial information technologies for detecting and mapping Eurasian watermilfoil. Geocarto International. 22(1):49-61.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Fletcher, R.S., Deloach, C.J., Davis, M.R. 2007. Using remote sensing to assess biological control of saltcedar. Southwestern Entomologist. 32(2):93-103.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Johnson, H.B. 2007. Canopy spectra and remote sensing of Ashe juniper and associated vegetation. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 130:403-413.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Summy, K.R., Judd, F.W., Davis, M.R., 2007. Evaluation of color-infrared photography and digital imagery to map black mangrove on the Texas Gulf Coast. Journal of Coastal Research. 23(1):230- 235.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C. 2007. Using QuickBird satellite imagery to distinguish two aquatic weeds in south Texas. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 45:25-31.
- Fletcher, R.S., Everitt, J.H. 2007. A six-camera digital video imaging system sensitive to visible, red edge, near-infrared, and mid-infrared wavelengths. Geocarto International. 22(2):75-86.
- Fletcher, R.S., Showler, A., Funk, P.A. 2007. Surveying thermally- defoliated cotton plots with color-infrared aerial photography. Crop Management [online]. Available: http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/cm/.
- Ge, S., Everitt, J.H., Carruthers, R.I., Gong, P., Anderson, G.L. 2006. Hyperspectral characteristics of canopy components and structure for phenological assessment of an invasive weed. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 120:109-126
- Jensen, R.R., Mausel, P.W., Dias, N., Gonser, R., Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Fletcher, R.S. 2007. Spectral analysis of coastal vegetation and land cover using AISA + hyperspectral data. Geocarto International. 22(1):17-28.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Bradford, J.M. 2006. Evaluating high resolution QuickBird satellite imagery for estimating cotton yield. Transactions of the ASABE. 49(5):1599-1606.
- Yang, C., Greenberg, S.M., Everitt, J.H., Norman, J.W. 2006. Assessing cotton stalk destruction with herbicides using remote sensing technology. Journal of Cotton Science. 10(2):136-145.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Bradford, J.M. 2007. Using multispectral imagery and linear spectral unmixing techniques for estimating crop yield variability. Transactions of the ASABE. 50(2):667-674.
- Fletcher, R.S., Showler, A.T. 2006. Surveying kaolin-treated cotton plots with airborne multispectral digital video imagery. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 54:1-7.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Progress Report 1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Agricultural and natural resource management is hampered by the inability to gather large-scale data quickly and inexpensively. Research is being conducted on the applications of cost-effective airborne electronic imaging systems that can acquire and provide timely information for the assessment and management of natural resources. This research should provide new approaches, better methodologies, and useful information for solving pest and environmental problems that affect waterways, agricultural areas, and rangelands. The use of airborne hyperspectral (multiple bands) remote sensing in both research and commercial applications has been steadily increasing in the last decade. These systems can capture imagery from numerous narrow bands within the visible to infrared regions of the
spectrum, offering the possibility for identifying optimal bands and/or band combinations for agricultural and natural resources applications. However, hyperspectral imaging systems have not been widely used primarily because of data acquisition cost and difficulties in geometric correction of the imagery. Recently, a low- cost airborne hyperspectral imaging system capable of capturing 128 bands in the visible and near-infrared regions has been assembled and tested. Chemical applications on agricultural crops at uniform rates could cause both economic loss and environmental problems such as ground water contamination. Precision agriculture may improve chemical use efficiency and reduce chemical leaching, thus increasing economic returns and improving environmental quality. Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing systems, in conjunction with global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), yield monitors, and ground sampling techniques, have
been used to map spatial and temporal crop growth and yield variability and to determine within- field management zones. A variable rate applicator capable of simultaneously varying rates of two different liquid fertilizers has been used in field tests to evaluate the yield differences and economic benefits between uniform and variable rate fertilizer applications. Aerial photography and satellite imagery have long been used for remote sensing applications, but their use is constrained by the lack of spectral and/or spatial (satellite) resolution, cloud-cover, and real- time delivery. The competitive agricultural economy and changing environmental conditions require the development of flexible remote sensing systems that can readily provide real-time information to natural resource managers. Electronic imaging systems have coarser spatial resolution than photography; however, they have much better spatial resolution than most satellite imagery. In addition, these aerial electronic
systems can use narrower spectral bands than aerial photography and most satellite imagery and can be used when clear or total cloud cover. The data are also readily available for immediate assessment and image analysis. Therefore, these systems provide timely information to meet the demands of resource managers. Excessive use of agricultural chemicals could be detrimental to the environment and is also a waste of agricultural energy and resources. Under-application of chemicals can result in crop yield, quality, and economic losses. In the Rio Grande Valley, 20-30% of areas within some of the fields we studied did not produce enough yield to recoup planting costs. Nevertheless, farmers still treat their fields uniformly. By applying different fertilizer rates to different zones based on crop requirements, the total amount of fertilizer needed or used can be reduced, without affecting yield. For agriculture in the United States to be competitive in the global economy and be
environmentally sound, it is critical that precision farming technology be incorporated into the agricultural production system. Advanced technologies, such as remote sensing, precision agriculture, and decision support systems, will be used to address the water quantity and quality problems in agricultural and natural resource management. The project relates to the Water Quality Protection and Management component and the Irrigation and Drainage Management component in the National Program 201 "Water Resource Management". It also relates to the National Program 207 "Integrated Farming Systems" and National Program 304, "Crop Protection and Quarantine". 2. List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) Year 1 (FY 2002) Complete configuration of the six-camera system Complete and test computer programs for geometrically correcting hyperspectral images. Acquire multispectral and hyperspectral imagery and compare to yield monitor data from grain sorghum
and cotton fields. Conduct variable rate fertilizer application. (This plan was discontinued in 2002 after five years of variable rate fertilization experiments because of the time constraint and other more important plans in the project.) Acquire additional aerial photography, videography, and reflectance data of giant salvinia. Acquire hyperspectral and reflectance data of weeds on rangeland sites. Evaluate remote sensing for assessing cotton regrowth control strategies for post-harvest destruction of cotton stalks. (This replaces the simulated boll weevil study outlined in the project plan.) Year 2 (FY 2003) Optimize the settings of the hyperspectral sensor for different imagery acquisition conditions. Determine relationships between yield and hyperspectral imagery for grain sorghum and cotton. Acquire high resolution QuickBird satellite imagery for crop identification/yield estimation and rangeland/wetland assessment. Complete study on giant salvinia and transfer technology.
Acquire additional hyperspectral and reflectance data of rangeland weeds. Acquire airborne videography, hyperspectral imagery, aerial photography, and ground reflectance data of waterlettuce and watermifoil. Collect airborne digital imagery and ground measurements for foot rot severity study. Complete assessment of cotton regrowth control for stalk destruction with remote sensing. Year 3 ( FY 2004) Continue testing the six-camera system. Evaluate high resolution QuickBird imagery for crop identification/yield estimation and rangeland/wetland assessment. Summarize data of rangeland weeds. Obtain additional airborne imagery and ground reflectance data of watermilfoil and begin data summarization. Acquire aerial photographs, QuickBird satellite imagery, airborne multispectral and hyperspectral imagery, and ground reflectance data of saltcedar and giant reed infestations in west Texas and the noxious shrub, ashe juniper, on central Texas rangelands. Collect airborne digital imagery and
ground measurements for the density and irrigation study (first year measurements). Complete analysis and transfer technology for the foot rot study. Collect spectral reflectance data of water surfaces and water samples (first year measurements). Begin image spectral and water data analysis for interpretation and assessment for water quality. Year 4 (FY 2005) Assemble a high resolution three-camera imaging system. Compare multispectral and hyperspectral imagery for yield estimation. Determine the significance of mid-infrared imagery for modeling cotton growth and productivity. Collect additional multispectral and hyperspectral imagery of saltcedar infestations in west Texas and ashe juniper on central Texas rangelands. Evaluate hyperspectral imagery for detecting and mapping saltcedar and ashe juniper as compared with other remote sensing methods. Complete foot rot disease level study and transfer the technology. Year 5 (FY 2006) Test and evaluate the high resolution three-camera
imaging system for various applications. Evalute the effects of spatial, spectral, and radiometric resolutions of hyperspectral imagery on yield estimation. Evaluate the six-camera system for modeling biophysical variables (plant height, width, cover, and yield) in potato fields. Acquire QuickBird and SPOT satellite imagery for mapping giant reed infestions. (This milestone was not in the original plan, but it became important in the last few years.) Develop practical procedures for mapping saltcedar and ashe juniper with hyperspectral imagery. 4a List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. Remote Sensing of Giant Reed with QuickBird Satellite Imagery Giant reed is an exotic grass that invades riparian sites in the southwestern United States. ARS scientists at the Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center, Weslaco and the Grassland Protection Research Unit, Temple, TX, conducted a study using QuickBird satellite imagery for distinguishing
giant reed infestations along a portion of the Rio Grande River in southwest Texas. Both false color and normal color satellite imagery were evaluated for distinguishing giant reed. Accuracy assessments performed on computer classification maps of both types of imagery had producer's and user's accuracies for giant reed that ranged from 86% to 100%. Both false and normal color satellite imagery did an excellent job in distinguishing giant reed infestations. (This research contributes directly to Problem Area #5, Watershed Management, Water Availability, and Ecosystem Restoration, of the National Program 201 Action Plan.) 4b List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any. Assessing Biological Control Damage of Giant Salvinia with Field Reflectance Measurements and Aerial Photography Little research is available evaluating the potential of remote sensing techniques for assessing the biological control of invasive weeds. ARS scientists at Weslaco, TX, and an APHIS
scientist at Edinburg, TX, conducted a study using spectral measurements and color-infrared aerial photography for assessing feeding damage on giant salvinia by the salvinia weevil. Field spectral measurements showed that moderately damaged and severely damaged plants had lower visible and near-infrared reflectance values than healthy plants. Healthy, moderately damaged, and severely damaged giant salvinia plants could be differentiated in an aerial color-infrared photograph of the study site. Computer analysis of the photograph showed that the three damage level classes could be quantified. (This research contributes directly to Problem Area #5, Watershed Management, Water Availability, and Ecosystem Restoration, of the NP 201 Action Plan.) Using Color-infrared Aerial Photography to Distinguish Ashe Juniper Ashe juniper is a noxious shrub or small tree that invades rangelands in central and west Texas. ARS scientists at Weslaco and Temple, TX, evaluated the feasibility of using
color-infrared aerial photography for detecting Ashe juniper infestations in central Texas. Ashe juniper infestations could be distinguished on color-infrared aerial photographs acquired in March, April, May, June, and August. Accuracy assessment performed on computer classification maps of color-infrared photographs had producer's and user's accuracies that ranged from 83% to 100%. These results should be of interest to rangeland resource managers who are interested in controlling this undesirable woody species and monitoring its distribution over large and inaccessible rangeland areas. (This research contributes directly to Problem Area #5, Watershed Management, Water Availability, and Ecosystem Restoration, of the National Program 201 Action Plan.) Using Multispectral Imagery and Linear Spectral Unmixing Techniques for Estimating Crop Yield Variability Vegetation indices calculated from remote sensing imagery are commonly used to estimate crop plant growth and yield, but most of
these indices use only two spectral bands in the image. ARS scientists at Weslaco, TX, evaluated linear spectral unmixing techniques, which can use all the bands in the image, for estimating yield variability from airborne multispectral imagery. Linear spectral unmixing models were applied to five time-sequential airborne images collected from a grain sorghum field to generate crop plant and soil abundance images. Plant and soil abundance data were significantly related to grain yield with equivalent or better correlations compared with the normalized difference vegetation index. These results indicate that linear spectral unmixing techniques can be used alone or in conjunction with traditional vegetation indices for quantifying crop canopy cover and mapping crop yield. (This research contributes directly to Problem Area #5, Watershed Management, Water Availability, and Ecosystem Restoration, of the NP 201 Action Plan.) Surveying Kaolin-treated Cotton Plots with Airborne
Multispectral Digital Video Imagery Cotton producers using kaolin particle film in sustainable or conventional systems need assistance in surveying large fields so that they can make better decisions on when to reapply the kaolin particle film. Using a six-camera imaging system, ARS scientists at Weslaco, TX, evaluated the application of airborne electronic imagery as a tool to assess cotton plots treated with kaolin particle film. Results indicated that these systems can be used to differentiate kaolin-treated cotton canopies from untreated cotton canopies and showed that imagery recorded in the visible region of spectrum was the most appropriate for field surveillance. The benefits of using these systems are the near-real time availability of the imagery and the area covered in one image. (This research contributes directly to Problem Area #5, Watershed Management, Water Availability, and Ecosystem Restoration, of the NP 201 Action Plan.) 5. Describe the major accomplishments to
date and their predicted or actual impact. ARS scientists at Weslaco have upgraded and/or assembled several airborne electronic imaging systems with visible/near-infrared/middle-infrared sensitivity since FY 2002. These systems have shown practical value for a variety of natural resource applications, including differentiating among plant species/communities, crop varieties, and various soil surface conditions. A hyperspectral imaging system with visible to near-infrared sensitivity was assembled in FY 2000 and has been optimized for use in various image acquisition situations. A six-camera digital video imaging system with visible to MIR sensitivity was assembled in FY 2002. These systems have been evaluated for agricultural and natural resources applications. Precision farming research, integrated with remote sensing technology, has demonstrated that airborne multispectral imagery is useful for identifying within-field management zones and mapping yield variations. Imagery
obtained during the growing season provides valuable crop growth and yield information and can be used in conjunction with environmental and agronomic data for yield estimation. The methodologies developed to integrate airborne imagery, GPS, GIS, yield monitors, and ground sampling techniques for identifying spatial plant growth variability and mapping yield variability will have practical implications as remotely sensed imagery is becoming increasingly important for precision agriculture. Vegetation indices developed with airborne electronic imagery can be used to assess and compare the general health status of citrus trees in citrus orchards. ARS scientists have demonstrated that aerial videography can be integrated with computer mapping technology to compare blackfly infestations occurring in different years and that satellite imagery can be used for mapping the invasive weed, giant reed. This project directly supports ARS Strategic Plan Goal #5 (Protect and Enhance the
Nation's Natural Resource Base and Environment), ARS National Program #201 (Water Resources Management), National Program #207 (Integrated Farming Systems), and National Program #304 (Crop Protection and Quarantine). 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Numerous requests have been received, both nationally and internationally, for reprints of research papers published by ARS scientists at Weslaco, TX. Color-infrared aerial photographs and portions of a QuickBird satellite image showing locations of giant salvinia infestations in Toledo Bend Reservoir in east Texas were given to a state agency. Additional conventional color and color-infrared aerial photographs of saltcedar infestations along the Canadian River in the Texas Panhandle were
given to state experiment station personnel in Amarillo, TX. GIS maps showing the distribution of Eurasian watermilfoil infestations in the Rio Grande River in southwest Texas were given to two state agencies. Lack of adoption of airborne imaging technology is constrained due to cost effectiveness and lack of operational methodologies. Various aerial photos and images and yield maps for grain sorghum and cotton fields have been given to local growers and the farming community. These images and maps can help growers make better management decisions. The lack of sufficient evidence on the profitability of precision farming is one major constraint to the adoption of this technology. The methodologies being developed in this research program for identifying variability and stress conditions using remote sensing have practical values and implications.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Deloach Jr., C.J. 2006. Remote sensing of giant reed with QuickBird satellite imagery. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 43:81-85.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Davis, M.R. 2006. Remote mapping of saltcedar in the Rio Grande System of Texas. Texas Journal of Science. 58(1):13-22.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Fletcher, R.S., Drawe, D. 2006. Evaluation of high resolution satellite imagery for assessing rangeland resources in south Texas. Rangeland Ecology and Management. 59:30-37.
- Yang, C., Greenberg, S.M., Everitt, J.H. 2005. Evaluation of herbicide- based cotton regrowth control using remote sensing. Transactions of the ASAE. 48(5):1987-1994.
- Funk, P.A., Armijo, C.B., Showler, A., Fletcher, R.S., Brashears, A.D., Mcalister III, D.D. 2006. Cotton harvest preparation using thermal energy. Transactions of the ASABE. Vol.49(3):617-622.
- Yang, C., Fernandez, C.J., Everitt, J.H. 2005. Mapping phymatotrichum root rot of cotton using airborne three-band digital imagery. Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 48(4):1619-1626.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Johnson, H., Davis, M.R. 2006. Using color- infrared aerial photography to distinguish Ashe juniper. In: Proceedings of the 20th Biennial Workshop on Aerial Photography, Videography, and High Resolution Digital Imagery for Resource Assessment, Bethesda, Maryland. 2006 CDROM.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Fletcher, R.S., Drawe, D. 2006. Mapping natural vegetation on the Welder Wildlife Refuge with QuickBird satellite imagery. In: Proceedings of the 20th Biennial Workshop on Aerial Photography, Videography, and High Resolution Digital Imagery for Resource Assessment, Bethesda, Maryland. 2006 CDROM.
- Fletcher, R.S., Everitt, J.H., Yang, C. 2006. Assessing south Texas natural resources with pan-sharpened QuickBird imagery and inexpensive software. In: Proceedings of the 20th Biennial Workshop on Aerial Photography, Videography, and High Resolution Digital Imagery for Resource Assessment, Bethesda, Maryland. 2006 CDROM.
- Flores, D., Everitt, J.H., Carlson, J.W. 2006. Assessing biological control damage of giant salvinia using remote sensing technologies. In: Proceedings of the 20th Biennial Workshop on Aerial Photography, Videography, and High Resolution Digital Imagery for Resource Assessment, Bethesda, Maryland. 2006 CDROM.
- Greenberg, S.M., Yang, C., Everitt, J.H. 2006. Evaluating effectiveness of some agricultural operations on cotton by using remote sensing technology. In: Proceedings of the 20th Biennial Workshop On Aerial Photography, Videography, and High Resolution Digital Imagery for Resource Assessment, Bethesda, Maryland. 2006 CDROM.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H. 2005. Remote Sensing, GPS, and GIS technologies for agricultural insect pest detection. In: Liu, T.X., Kang, L., editors. Entomological Research: Progress and Perspective. Beijing, China:Science Press. p. 402-432.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Bradford, J.M. 2005. Using multispectral imagery and pixel unmixing techniques for estimating crop yield variability. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Paper No. 05-1018. St. Joseph, Michigan. 2005 CDROM.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Johnson, H.B., Davis, M.R. 2006. Mapping Ashe juniper infestations using airborne hyperspectral imagery. In: Proceedings of the 20th Biennial Workshop on Aerial Photography, Videography, and High Resolution Digital Imagery for Resource Assessment, Bethesda, Maryland. 2006 CDROM.
- Yang, C., Tong-Xian, L., Everitt, J.H. 2006. Evaluation of remote sensing technology for estimating cabbage physical parameters. In: Proceedings of the 20th Biennial Workshop on Aerial Photography, Videography, and High Resolution Digital Imagery for Resource Assessment, Bethesda, Maryland. 2006 CDROM.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Bradford, J.M. 2006. Comparison of QuickBird satellite imagery for mapping grain sorghum yield patterns. Precision Agriculture. 7:33-33.
- Everitt, J.H., Flores, D., Davis, M. 2005. Using remote sensing to assess biological control of giant salvinia. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 43:76-80.
- Pulich, Jr., W., Fletcher, R.S., Hardigree, B. 2006. Application of high resolution digital aerial photography for monitoring ecological conditions of Texas seagrass beds. Biennial Workshop on Aerial Photography, Videography, and High Resolution Digital Imagery for Resource Assessment, Bethesda, Maryland. 2006 CDROM.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Agricultural and natural resource management is hampered by the inability to gather large-scale data quickly and inexpensively. Research is being conducted on the applications of cost-effective airborne electronic imaging systems that can acquire and provide timely information for the assessment and management of natural resources. This research should provide new approaches, better methodologies, and useful information for solving pest and environmental problems that affect waterways, agricultural areas, and rangelands. The use of airborne hyperspectral (multiple bands) remote sensing in both research and commercial applications has been steadily increasing in the last decade. These systems can capture imagery from numerous narrow bands within the visible to infrared regions of the spectrum,
offering the possibility for identifying optimal bands and/or band combinations for agricultural and natural resources applications. However, hyperspectral imaging systems have not been widely used primarily because of data acquisition cost and difficulties in geometric correction of the imagery. Recently, a low- cost airborne hyperspectral imaging system capable of capturing 128 bands in the visible and near-infrared regions has been assembled and tested. Chemical applications on agricultural crops at uniform rates could cause both economic loss and environmental problems such as ground water contamination. Precision agriculture may improve chemical use efficiency and reduce chemical leaching, thus increasing economic returns and improving environmental quality. Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing systems, in conjunction with global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), yield monitors, and ground sampling techniques, have been used
to map spatial and temporal crop growth and yield variability and to determine within- field management zones. A variable rate applicator capable of simultaneously varying rates of two different liquid fertilizers has been used in field tests to evaluate the yield differences and economic benefits between uniform and variable rate fertilizer applications. Aerial photography and satellite imagery have long been used for remote sensing applications, but their use is constrained by the lack of spectral and/or spatial (satellite) resolution, cloud-cover, and real time delivery. The competitive agricultural economy and changing environmental conditions require the development of flexible remote sensing systems that can readily provide real time information to natural resource managers. Electronic imaging systems have coarser spatial resolution than photography; however, they have much better spatial resolution than most satellite imagery. In addition, these aerial electronic systems
can use narrower spectral bands than aerial photography and most satellite imagery and can be used when clear or total cloud cover. The data is also readily available for immediate assessment and image analysis. Therefore, these systems provide timely information to meet the demands of resource managers. Excessive use of agricultural chemicals could be detrimental to the environment and is also a waste of agricultural energy and resources. Under-application of chemicals can result in crop yield, quality, and economic losses. In the Rio Grande Valley, 20-30% of areas within some of the fields we studied did not produce enough yield to recoup planting costs. Nevertheless, farmers still treat their fields uniformly. By applying different fertilizer rates to different zones based on crop requirements, the total amount of fertilizer needed or used can be reduced, without affecting yield. For agriculture in the United States to be competitive in the global economy and be
environmentally sound, it is critical that precision farming technology be incorporated into the agricultural production system. Advanced technologies, such as remote sensing, precision agriculture, and decision support systems, will be used to address the water quantity and quality problems in agricultural and natural resource management. The project relates to the Water Quality Protection and Management component and the Irrigation and Drainage Management component in the National Program 201 "Water Quality and Management". It also relates to the National Program 207 "Integrated Farming Systems". 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Year 1 (FY 2002) Complete configuration of the six-camera system. Complete and test computer programs for geometrically correcting hyperspectral images. Acquire multispectral and hyperspectral imagery and compare to yield monitor data from grain sorghum and cotton fields. Conduct variable rate fertilizer application.
(This plan was discontinued in 2002 after five years of variable rate fertilization experiments because of the time constraint and other more important plans in the project.) Acquire additional aerial photography, videography, and reflectance data of giant salvinia. Acquire hyperspectral and reflectance data of weeds on rangeland sites. Evaluate remote sensing for assessing cotton regrowth control strategies for post-harvest destruction of cotton stalks. (This replaces the simulated boll weevil study outlined in the project plan.) Year 2 (FY 2003) Optimize the settings of the hyperspectral sensor for different imagery acquisition conditions. Determine relationships between yield and hyperspectral imagery for grain sorghum and cotton. Acquire high resolution QuickBird satellite imagery for crop identification/yield estimation and rangeland/wetland assessment. (This milestone was not in the original plan, but it became important in the last few years.) Complete study on giant salvinia
and transfer technology. Acquire additional hyperspectral and reflectance data of rangeland weeds. Acquire airborne videography, hyperspectral imagery, aerial photography, and ground reflectance data of waterlettuce and watermilfoil. Collect airborne digital imagery and ground measurements for foot rot severity study. Complete assessment of cotton regrowth control for stalk destruction with remote sensing. Year 3 (FY 2004) Continue testing the six-camera system. Evaluate high resolution QuickBird imagery for crop identification/yield estimation and rangeland/wetland assessment. Summarize data of rangeland weeds. Obtain additional airborne imagery and ground reflectance data of watermilfoil and begin data summarization. Acquire aerial photographs, QuickBird satellite imagery, airborne multispectral and hyperspectral imagery, and ground reflectance data of saltcedar and giant reed infestations in west Texas and the noxious shrub, ash juniper, on central Texas rangelands. Collect
airborne digital imagery and ground measurements for the density and irrigation study (first year measurements). Complete analysis and transfer technology for the foot rot study. Collect spectral reflectance data of water surfaces and water samples (first year measurements). Begin image spectral and water data analysis for interpretation and assessment for water quality. Year 4 (FY 2005) Assemble a high resolution three-camera imaging system. Compare multispectral and hyperspectral imagery for yield estimation. Determine the significance of mid-infrared imagery for modeling cotton growth and productivity. Collect additional multispectral and hyperspectral imagery of saltcedar infestations in west Texas and ash juniper on central Texas rangelands. Evaluate hyperspectral imagery for detecting and mapping saltcedar and ash juniper as compared with other remote sensing methods. Complete foot rot disease level study and transfer the technology. Year 5 (FY 2006) Test and evaluate the high
resolution three-camera imaging system for various applications. Evaluate the effects of spatial, spectral, and radiometric resolutions of hyperspectral imagery on yield estimation. Evaluate the six-camera system for modeling biophysical variables (plant height, width, cover, and yield) in potato fields. Develop practical procedures for mapping saltcedar and ash juniper with hyperspectral imagery. 3a List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2005. For each milestone, indicate the status: fully met, substantially met, or not met. If not met, why. 1. Assemble a high resolution three-camera imaging system. Milestone Not Met Progress slowed by resource limitation (human,fiscal,equipment, etc. 2. Compare multispectral and hyperspectral imagery for yield estimation. Milestone Substantially Met 3. Determine the significance of mid-infrared imagery for modeling cotton growth and productivity. Milestone Fully Met 4. Collect additional multispectral and hyperspectral
imagery of saltcedar infestations in west Texas and ash juniper on central Texas rangelands. Milestone Fully Met 5. Evaluate hyperspectral imagery for detecting and mapping saltcedar and ash juniper as compared with other remote sensing methods. Milestone Fully Met 6. Complete foot rot disease level study and transfer the technology. Milestone Not Met Other 3b List the milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2006, 2007, and 2008). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? Year 5 (FY 2006) Aerial hyperspectral imagery, QuickBird satellite imagery, and ground reflectance data obtained of saltcedar infestations in west Texas in FY 2005 will be analyzed. A large data set consisting of aerial photography and QuickBird satellite imagery acquired in FY 2003 and FY 2004 of a rangeland/wetland area in south Texas will be analyzed. Aerial hyperspectral and QuickBird satellite imagery will be evaluated for detecting
waterhyacinth infestations in a large south Texas reservoir. Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral imagery and yield monitor data collected in FY 2004 and 2005 will be analyzed. Spectral unmixing techniques will be evaluated for mapping crop yield variability from airborne multispectral imagery. Ground reflectance spectra, aerial photos, and plant physical measurements of cabbage plots will be analyzed to assess remote sensing for distinguishing insecticide treatments and estimating cabbage yield. Complete foot rot and root rot disease level study and transfer the technology. Evaluate remote sensing and GIS technologies for estimating potato yields. Compile soil maps provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Collect airborne imagery of the fields with the six-camera digital video imaging system. Obtain yield data from the potato fields. Analyze data. Complete data collection and analysis for the MIR cotton study. Year 6 (FY 2007) The entire project is scheduled to
be completed on 2/22/07 and a new project will be developed to undergo OSQR review before the completion of the current project. Milestones that might be approved for the new project include: Assemble a high resolution multispectral imaging system. Complete the work on the evaluation of different types of imagery for mapping saltcedar, ash juniper, and waterhyacinth infestations. Assess high resolution SPOT satellite imagery for large-scale mapping of invasive weeds (giant reed and broomweed). Apply spectral unmixing and other image processing techniques to airborne hyperspectral imagery for mapping crop yield variability. Continue with potato yield study. Collect and assess second year of data. Evaluate satellite imagery for monitoring variability in south Texas peanut fields. Acquire satellite imagery and collect plant biophysical data (plant cover, plant biomass, and yields). FY 2008 Test and evaluate the high resolution multispectral imaging system for various applications.
SPOT satellite imagery of invasive weeds will be analyzed. Examine the effects of spatial, spectral, and radiometric resolutions of hyperspectral imagery on yield estimation. Develop an expert system for citrus orchard management. Compile digitized soil maps provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Analyze peanut field data collected during FY2007. 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? Airborne Hyperspectral Imagery for Mapping Crop Yield Variability Hyperspectral imagery is becoming more available, but little research has been conducted to evaluate this type of imagery for crop yield estimation. ARS scientists at Weslaco, TX, evaluated and compared airborne hyperspectral imagery with broad band satellite multispectral imagery generated from the hyperspectral imagery for crop yield estimation. Image analysis and statistical results showed that optimum hyperspectral narrow bands identified for yield estimation explained more yield
variability than the aggregated broad bands. These findings indicate that hyperspectral imagery has the potential for crop yield estimation and can be a useful data source for crop management. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. Using High Resolution Satellite Imagery for Assessing Rangeland Resources The expanse and inaccessibility of rangelands make them difficult to inventory using traditional ground techniques. ARS scientists at Weslaco, TX, conducted a study to evaluate QuickBird satellite imagery for differentiating among rangeland cover types on the Welder Wildlife Refuge in south Texas. Four subsets of the satellite image were extracted and used as study sites. Unsupervised classification techniques were used to classify false color composite (green, red, and near-infrared bands) images of each study site. Accuracy assessments performed on the classification maps of the four sites had overall accuracies ranging from 79% to 89%. These results indicate that
QuickBird imagery can be a useful tool for identifying rangeland cover types at a regional level. Evaluating Airborne Hyperspectral Imagery for Rangeland Assessment Within the last few years, airborne hyperspectral imaging systems have been used as remote sensing tools. ARS scientists at Weslaco, TX, conducted a study to determine the potential of airborne hyperspectral imagery for differentiating among rangeland ecological variables on two range sites (tight sandy loam and shallow ridge) on south Texas rangelands. Field reflectance measurements made on dominant vegetation (plant species and vegetation mixtures) and soil land-use types on the two sites identified six wavelengths (five visible and one near-infrared) where significant spectral differences occurred among the parameters. The spectral bands that corresponded to these wavelengths were extracted from the 128-band hyperspectral images obtained of each site and used to develop false color composite images that were subjected
to computer classification and accuracy assessments. Accuracy assessments performed on the classification maps of four composite images of the tight sandy loam site had overall accuracies ranging from 76% to 85%, whereas accuracy assessments performed on the classification maps of three composite images of the shallow ridge site had overall accuracies ranging from 74% to 77%. These results should be of interest to rangeland management specialists. Aerial Photography and QuickBird Satellite Imagery for Mapping Wetland Vegetation Little research is available comparing aerial photography and satellite imagery for identifying wetland vegetation. ARS scientists at Weslaco, TX, conducted a study comparing aerial color-infrared photography and QuickBird false color satellite imagery for differentiating among wetland vegetation in two south Texas freshwater lakes. Several plant species and mixtures of species could be distinguished in the aerial photos and satellite imagery. Accuracy
assessments performed on computer classifications of the photos of the two lakes had overall accuracies of 84% and 87%; whereas, accuracy assessments performed on classifications of the satellite imagery of the lakes had overall accuracies of 69% and 76%. The lower accuracies of the satellite image classifications were attributed to their coarser spatial resolution. These findings should be useful to resource managers who are interested in mapping natural vegetation in wetland environments. Ratio Detection of Foot-rot Infected Citrus Trees Foot-rot infection is a common problem affecting citrus groves. ARS scientists at Weslaco and a Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center collaborator compared vegetation indices for separating healthy citrus trees from citrus trees exhibiting mild symptoms of foot-rot infection. Three indices were identified for distinguishing the healthy trees from the infected trees. A relative index value was also established for separating healthy trees
from infected trees employing the index most responsive to the disease. Results provide useful information and techniques that growers can employ to assess foot-rot infected citrus orchards. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. ARS scientists at Weslaco have upgraded and/or assembled several airborne electronic imaging systems with visible/near-infrared/middle-infrared sensitivity since FY 2002. These systems have shown practical value for a variety of natural resource applications, including differentiating among plant species/communities, crop varieties, and various soil surface conditions. A hyperspectral imaging system with visible to near-infrared sensitivity was assembled in FY 2000 and has been optimized for use in various image acquisition situations. A six-camera digital video imaging system with visible to MIR sensitivity was assembled in FY 2002. These systems have been evaluated for agricultural
and natural resources applications. Precision farming research, integrated with remote sensing technology, has demonstrated that airborne multispectral imagery is useful for identifying within-field management zones and mapping yield variations. Imagery obtained during the growing season provides valuable crop growth and yield information and can be used in conjunction with environmental and agronomic data for yield estimation. The methodologies developed to integrate airborne imagery, GPS, GIS, yield monitors, and ground sampling techniques for identifying spatial plant growth variability and mapping yield variability will have practical implications as remotely sensed imagery is becoming increasingly important for precision agriculture. Vegetation indices developed with airborne electronic imagery can be used to assess and compare the general health status of citrus trees in citrus orchards. ARS scientists have demonstrated that aerial videography can be integrated with
computer mapping technology to compare blackfly infestations occurring in different years. This project directly supports ARS Strategic Plan Goal #5 (Protect and Enhance the Nation's Natural Resource Base and Environment), ARS National Program #201 (Water Quality and Management), and National Program #207 (Integrated Agricultural Systems). 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Numerous requests have been received, both nationally and internationally, for reprints of research papers published by Weslaco scientists. A GIS map showing the locations of Eurasian watermilfoil infestations in the Rio Grande river in southwest Texas was given to a state agency. Aerial and satellite imagery of ash juniper infestations in central Texas was provided
to a federal agency. Satellite imagery of a large rangeland area in south Texas was given to local ranchers. Lack of adoption of airborne imaging technology is constrained due to cost effectiveness and lack of operational methodologies. Various aerial photos and images and yield maps for grain sorghum and cotton fields have been given to local growers and the farming community. Aerial photographs of a large cropping area in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of south Texas were provided to local farmers. These images and maps can help growers make better management decisions. The lack of sufficient evidence on the profitability of precision farming is one major constraint to the adoption of this technology. The methodologies being developed in this research program for identifying variability and stress conditions using remote sensing have practical values and implications.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Yang, C., Greenberg, S.M., Everitt, J.H., Norman, J.W. 2004. Assessing cotton regrowth after herbicide treatments using remote sensing. Proceedings, National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. Memphis, Tennessee. 2004 CD-ROM.
- Fletcher, R.S. 2005. Evaluating the spatial resolution of QuickBird imagery for detecting citrus orchards affected by sooty mold. International Journal of Remote Sensing. 26(3):495-502.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Davis, M.R. 2004. Evaluating airborne hyperspectral imagery for rangeland assessment in south Texas. Geocarto International Journal 19(3):23-31.
- Webster, C.F., Fletcher, R.S., Everitt, J.H., Davis, M.R., Escobar, D.E. 2004. Assessing a wastewater discharge to the subtropical Rio Grande Valley using aerial videography and in site physicochemistry. Geocarto International. 19(4):41-48.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Bradford, J.M. 2004. Airborne hyperspectral imagery and yield monitor data for estimating grain sorghum yield variability. Transactions of the American Society for Agricultural Engineers. 47(3):915-924.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Flores, D., Davis, M.R. 2005. Using spatial information technologies to distinguish and map invasive aquatic weeds. In: Pandalai, S.G., editor. Recent Research and Development in Environmental Biology. Kerala, India: Trivandrum. p. 593-617.
- Fletcher, R.S., Escobar, D.E., Skaria, M. 2004. Response of ratio vegetation indices to foot-rot infected citrus trees. International Journal of Remote Sensing. 25(19):3967-3972.
- Du, Q., French, J., Skaria, M., Yang, C., Everitt, J.H. 2004. Citrus pest stress monitoring using airborne hyperspectral imagery. International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium Proceedings. Piscataway, New Jersey. 2004 CD-ROM.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Bradford, J.M. 2004. Using high resolution Quickbird satellite imagery for cotton yield estimation. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Paper No. 04-1119. St. Joseph, Michigan. 2004 CD-ROM.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Fletcher, R.S., Davis, M.R., Drawe, D. 2004. Using aerial color-infrared photography and Quickbird satellite data for mapping wetland vegetation. Geocarto International 19(4):15-22.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Fletcher, R.S., Murden, D. 2004. Evaluation of Quickbird imagery for crop identification and area estimation. Proceedings of 19th Biennial Workshop In Color Photography, Videography, and Airborne Imaging for Resource Assessment, Bethesda, Maryland. 2004 CD-ROM.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Davis, M.R., Deloach Jr, C.J., Nibling, F. 2004. Using spatial information technologies for mapping four invasive weeds in the Rio Grande river system of Texas. Proceedings of 19th Biennial Workshop on Color Photography, Videography, and Airborne Imaging for Resource Assessment, Bethesda, Maryland. 2004 CD-ROM.
- Fletcher, R.S., Everitt, J.H., Escobar, D.E., Yang, C. 2004. VISNIRMIR digital video imaging system. Proceedings of 19th Biennial Workshop on Color Photography and Videography in Resource Assessment, Bethesda, Maryland. 2004 CD-ROM.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C. 2004. Using Quickbird satellite imagery to distinguish two noxious weeds in southern Texas. Proceedings of 10th Forest Service Remote Sensing Conference Conference, Bethesda, Maryland. 2004 CD-ROM.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Bradford, J.M., Murden, D. 2004. Airborne hyperspectral imagery and yield monitor data for mapping cotton yield variability. Precision Agriculture 5(5):445-461.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Agricultural and natural resource management is hampered by the inability to gather large-scale data quickly and inexpensively. Research is being conducted on the applications of cost-effective airborne electronic imaging systems that can acquire and provide timely information for the assessment and management of natural resources. This research should provide new approaches, better methodologies, and useful information for solving pest and environmental problems that affect waterways, agricultural areas, and rangelands. The use of airborne hyperspectral (multiple bands) remote sensing in both research and commercial applications has been steadily increasing in the last decade. These systems can capture imagery from numerous narrow bands within the visible to infrared regions of the spectrum,
offering the possibility for identifying optimal bands and/or band combinations for agricultural and natural resources applications. However, hyperspectral imaging systems have not been widely used primarily because of data acquisition cost and difficulties in geometric correction of the imagery. Recently, a low- cost airborne hyperspectral imaging system capable of capturing 128 bands in the visible and near-infrared regions has been assembled and tested. Chemical applications on agricultural crops at uniform rates could cause both economic loss and environmental problems such as ground water contamination. Precision agriculture may improve chemical use efficiency and reduce chemical leaching, thus increasing economic returns and improving environmental quality. Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing systems, in conjunction with global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), yield monitors, and ground sampling techniques, have been used
to map spatial and temporal crop growth and yield variability and to determine within- field management zones. A variable rate applicator capable of simultaneously varying rates of two different liquid fertilizers has been used in field tests to evaluate the yield differences and economic benefits between uniform and variable rate fertilizer applications. Aerial photography and satellite imagery have long been used for remote sensing applications, but their use is constrained by the lack of spectral and/or spatial (satellite) resolution, cloud-cover, and real time delivery. The competitive agricultural economy and changing environmental conditions require the development of flexible remote sensing systems that can readily provide real time information to natural resource managers. Electronic imaging systems have coarser spatial resolution than photography; however, they have much better spatial resolution than most satellite imagery. In addition, these aerial electronic systems
can use narrower spectral bands than aerial photography and most satellite imagery and can be used when clear or total cloud cover. The data is also readily available for immediate assessment and image analysis. Therefore, these systems provide timely information to meet the demands of resource managers. Excessive use of agricultural chemicals could be detrimental to the environment and is also a waste of agricultural energy and resources. Under-application of chemicals can result in crop yield, quality, and economic losses. In the Rio Grande Valley, 20-30% of areas within some of the fields we studied did not produce enough yield to recoup planting costs. Nevertheless, farmers still treat their fields uniformly. By applying different fertilizer rates to different zones based on crop requirements, the total amount of fertilizer needed or used can be reduced, without affecting yield. For agriculture in the United States to be competitive in the global economy and be
environmentally sound, it is critical that precision farming technology be incorporated into the agricultural production system. The objectives of this project are to: 1) Develop and test cost- effective, high resolution airborne electronic imaging systems (i.e., multispectral and hyperspectral) for assessing water and pest management practices; 2) Integrate airborne imagery, GPS, and GIS technologies for precision agriculture applications and determine the potential of mid- infrared (MIR) imagery alone or in combination with other spectral bands for assessing water and pest management parameters; and 3) Develop methods and demonstrate the application of spatial information technologies for pest management and water quality assessments. Advanced technologies, such as remote sensing, precision agriculture, and decision support systems, will be used to address the water quantity and quality problems in agricultural and natural resource management. The project relates to the Water
Quality Protection and Management component and the Irrigation and Drainage Management component in the National Program 201 "Water Quality and Management" (70%). It also relates to the National Program 207 "Integrated Farming Systems" (30%). 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Year 1 (FY 2002) Complete configuration of the six-camera system. Complete and test computer programs for geometrically correcting hyperspectral images. Acquire multispectral and hyperspectral imagery and compare to yield monitor data from grain sorghum and cotton fields. Conduct variable rate fertilizer application. (This plan was discontinued in 2002 after five years of variable rate fertilization experiments because of the time constraint and other more important plans in the project.) Acquire additional aerial photography, videography, and reflectance data of giant salvinia. Acquire hyperspectral and reflectance data of weeds on rangeland sites. Evaluate remote sensing
for assessing cotton regrowth control strategies for post-harvest destruction of cotton stalks. (This replaces the simulated boll weevil study outlined in the project plan.) Year 2 (FY 2003) Optimize the settings of the hyperspectral sensor for different imagery acquisition conditions. Determine relationships between yield and hyperspectral imagery for grain sorghum and cotton. Acquire high resolution QuickBird satellite imagery for crop identification/yield estimation and rangeland/wetland assessment. (This milestone was not in the original plan, but it became important in the last few years.) Complete study on giant salvinia and transfer technology. Acquire additional hyperspectral and reflectance data of rangeland weeds. Acquire videography, hyperspectral imagery, aerial photography and reflectance data of waterlettuce and watermilfoil. Collect airborne digital imagery and ground measurements for foot rot severity study. Complete assessment of cotton regrowth control for stalk
destruction with remote sensing. Year 3 (FY 2004) Continue testing the six-camera system. Evaluate high resolution QuickBird imagery for crop identification/yield estimation and rangeland/wetland assessment. Summarize data of rangeland weeds. Obtain additional airborne imagery and reflectance data of watermilfoil and begin data summarization. Acquire aerial photographs, QuickBird satellite imagery, multispectral and hyperspectral imagery, and ground reflectance data of saltcedar and giant reed infestations in west Texas and the noxious shrub, ash juniper, on central Texas rangelands. Collect airborne digital imagery and ground measurements for the density and irrigation study (first year measurements). Complete analysis and transfer technology for the foot rot study. Collect spectral reflectance data of water surfaces and water samples (first year measurements). Begin image spectral and water data analysis for interpretation and assessment for water quality. Year 4 (FY 2005) Assemble
a high resolution three-camera imaging system. Compare multispectral and hyperspectral imagery for yield estimation. Determine the significance of mid-infrared imagery for modeling cotton growth and productivity. Collect additional multispectral and hyperspectral imagery of saltcedar infestations in west Texas and ash juniper on central Texas rangelands. Evaluate hyperspectral imagery for detecting and mapping saltcedar and ash juniper as compared with other remote sensing methods. Complete foot rot disease level study and transfer the technology. Year 5 (FY 2006) Test and evaluate the high resolution three-camera imaging system for various applications. Evaluate the effects of spatial, spectral, and radiometric resolutions of hyperspectral imagery on yield estimation. Evaluate the six-camera system for modeling biophysical variables (plant height, width, cover, and yield) in potato fields. Develop practical procedures for mapping saltcedar and ash juniper with hyperspectral imagery.
3. Milestones: A. List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2004. How many milestones did you fully or substantially meet in FY 2004 and indicate which ones were not fully or substantially met, briefly explain why not, and your plans to do so. Most of the milestones for Year 3 (FY 2004) listed in Question 2 were fully or substantially completed. However, a few of them were delayed or discontinued as explained below. Six-camera digital video imaging system has been evaluated for mapping coastal vegetation and distinguishing cotton canopies treated with kaolin particle film from untreated cotton canopies. Complete work on the evaluation of high resolution QuickBird imagery for crop identification and yield estimation. Hyperspectral imagery and reflectance data of rangeland study sites in south Texas with a diversity of cover types (including noxious species) were acquired and these data have been analyzed. Aerial photography and videography, and reflectance data
obtained of waterlettuce from FY 2001- 2002 have been analyzed. Aerial photography and reflectance data collected from FY 2001-2003 of watermilfoil have been analyzed. Hyperspectral imagery was not obtained of either waterlettuce or watermilfoil because the study sites did not have roads or other manmade features that are required for post processing of hyperspectral imagery. Aerial photographs, QuickBird satellite imagery, multispectral and hyperspectral imagery, and ground reflectance data of saltcedar infestations in west Texas and ash juniper on central Texas rangelands were acquired. Airborne imagery and biophysical data (plant height, width, cover, and yield) have been collected from cotton fields having distinct variability in plant growth. This study is being conducted to evaluate mid-infrared imagery alone and in combination with other image bands for modeling cotton biophysical variables. Preliminary studies conducted on small experimental plots (i.e., density and
irrigation studies) did not produce the in-field variability needed to properly assess the airborne imagery; therefore, this research study is being conducted in cotton fields with distinct in-field variability in plant growth and productivity. The foot rot study has been delayed because ARS scientists and collaborators have not been able to find groves containing enough trees with mild, intermediate, and severe symptoms of the disease (ten trees for each disease category). During FY 2005, ARS scientists and collaborators will continue to search local area for groves meeting the established criteria. In addition, ARS scientists and collaborators have modified the objective to include orchards affected by root rot (roots are affected by the same organism causing the foot rot). Data have been collected from an orchard containing trees showing mild, intermediate, and severe symptoms of root rot infection. Data have not been collected or processed for the water quality project because
the primary collaborator has relocated to another state. The National Program Leader has added an amendment indicating that the water quality study has been removed from the CRIS project. B. List the milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2005, 2006, & 2007). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? Year 4 (FY 2005) Aerial hyperspectral imagery, QuickBird satellite imagery, and ground reflectance data obtained of saltcedar infestations in west Texas in FY 2004 will be analyzed. Additional hyperspectral and satellite imagery will be collected of the saltcedar study site. A large data set consisting of aerial photography, multispectral videography, and QuickBird satellite imagery acquired in late FY 2003 of a rangeland/wetland area in south Texas will be analyzed. QuickBird satellite imagery obtained in FY 2004 of giant reed infestations in southwest Texas will be analyzed. A study will be initiated to
evaluate aerial hyperspectral and QuickBird satellite imagery for detecting waterhyacinth infestations in a large south Texas lake. Evaluate aerial photography, hyperspectral imagery, QuickBird satellite imagery, and ground reflectance measurements for detecting ash juniper on central Texas rangelands. Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral imagery and yield monitor data collected in FY 2003 and 2004 will be analyzed to compare multispectral and hyperspectral imagery for yield estimation. Airborne hyperspectral imagery acquired from root rot infested cotton fields in FY 2002 will be analyzed to determine its usefulness for mapping root rot infestations. Ground reflectance spectra, aerial photos, and plant physical measurements of cabbage plots will be analyzed to assess remote sensing for distinguishing insecticide treatments and estimating cabbage yield. Data collection and analyses for the cotton study addressing MIR imagery will be completed. Findings will determine the
significance of MIR imagery for modeling cotton growth and productivity. ARS scientists and collaborators will complete foot rot disease level study and transfer the technology. Year 5 (FY 2006) Hyperspectral imagery obtained of saltcedar, ash juniper, and waterhyacinth infestations in FY 2005 will be analyzed to determine the feasibility for discriminating these noxious weeds. QuickBird satellite imagery acquired of saltcedar, ash juniper, and waterhyacinth in FY 2005 will be analyzed to determine its potential for mapping the distribution of these noxious weeds over large areas. Additional satellite imagery will be obtained of waterhyacinth and ash juniper. Airborne hyperspectral imagery collected in previous years will be aggregated into different spatial and spectral resolutions and related to yield monitor data to examine the effects of spatial, spectral, and radiometric resolutions of hyperspectral imagery on yield estimation. Results of the MIR cotton study will be presented
at scientific meetings and submitted for publication. ARS scientists will evaluate the six- camera system for modeling biophysical variables (plant height, width, cover, and yield) in potato fields. First year's data will be collected and analyzed. Year 6 (FY 2007) The entire project is scheduled to be completed on 2/22/07 and a new project will be developed to undergo OSQR review before the completion of the current project. Satellite imagery acquired of ash juniper and waterhyacinth in FY 2006 will be analyzed. Operational procedures for mapping and identifying yield variability with airborne multispectral and hyperspectral imagery will be developed. Second year's data will be collected and analyzed for the potato study. Results obtained during FY 2006 and FY 2007 will be used to determine the potential of the six-camera system for assessing and modeling in-field variability in potato fields. ARS scientists will evaluate the six-camera system for modeling biophysical variables
(plant height, width, cover, and yield) in peanut fields. First year's data will be collected and analyzed. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment during FY 2004 year: Giant reed is an invasive, exotic grass that invades riparian areas in the Southwest United States. ARS scientists at the Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center, Weslaco, TX, and a Texas A&M University collaborator conducted a study to evaluate remote sensing techniques for detecting and mapping giant reed infestations in Texas riparian areas. Giant reed could be readily distinguished on aerial color-infrared photography and videography. Integration of a GPS receiver with the video imagery permitted locations of giant reed infestations to be recorded on each image. A long stretch of the Rio Grande in southwest and west Texas was flown with the videography, and it was found that 375 river-miles were infested with giant reed.
These results will be useful in the management system of this weed. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any: Aerial conventional color photography and videography were used to detect and map saltcedar infestations along the Rio Grande in west Texas. The videography was integrated with GPS and GIS technologies. A map was produced of the Rio Grande from Lajitas to near El Paso showing the distribution of saltcedar infestations. Saltcedar infested approximately 285 river-miles along the Rio Grande. This information will be used for the management of saltcedar in the upper Rio Grande system. Eurasian watermilfoil is an invasive, exotic, submerged aquatic weed that invades and clogs waterways throughout the United States. ARS scientists at the Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center, Weslaco, TX, conducted a study to evaluate the potential of using remote sensing techniques to distinguish Eurasian watermilfoil in Texas waterways. Field reflectance measurements
showed that Eurasian watermilfoil could be spectrally distinguished from other associated species in either the visible or near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Eurasian watermilfoil submerged at depths greater than 5 cm below the water surface had similar reflectance to water. Surfaced Eurasian watermilfoil could be distinguished on color- infrared aerial photography where it had a grayish-pink or faint pink image response. Timely and accurate information on crop types and areas obtained during the growing season is of vital importance for regional crop management. A Texas A&M University collaborator and ARS scientists at Weslaco evaluated high-resolution QuickBird imagery for crop identification and area estimation within an intensively cropped area in south Texas. Image analysis and ground verification indicate that the satellite imagery could be used to successfully identify and map the crops (grain sorghum, cotton, melons, sugarcane, and citrus) growing in the
imaging area. This type of imagery provides a promising tool for farmers, agricultural scientists, and other program officers to obtain more accurate information concerning the crops grown over a large area. High resolution satellite imagery is becoming commercially available, but little research has been conducted to evaluate this type of imagery for crop management. A Texas A&M University collaborator and ARS scientists at Weslaco examined QuickBird imagery for mapping grain sorghum and cotton yield variability and compared QuickBird imagery with airborne multispectral imagery for yield estimation. Results showed that crop yield was significantly related to both types of image data and that the QuickBird imagery had similar correlations with yield as compared with the airborne imagery. These findings indicate that QuickBird imagery can be a useful data source for mapping crop yield variability and for assessing crop conditions. Sea purslane is an important plant to coastal habitats
because it promotes development of embryonic dunes, functions as a barrier for deflecting and holding shifting sand, and serves as a dune stabilizer in the absence of other vegetation. Natural resource managers are interested in mapping sea purslane because of its importance to coastal habitats. ARS scientists at the Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center at Weslaco determined that airborne multispectral digital video imagery could be used as a tool to map sea purslane. Findings should be beneficial to scientists and natural resource managers interested in mapping sea purslane with remotely sensed imagery. C. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations. None. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. ARS scientists at Weslaco have upgraded and/or assembled several airborne electronic imaging systems with visible/near-infrared/middle-infrared sensitivity since FY 2002. These
systems have shown practical value for a variety of natural resource applications, including differentiating among plant species/communities, crop varieties, and various soil surface conditions. A hyperspectral imaging system with visible to near-infrared sensitivity was assembled in FY 2000 and has been optimized for use in various image acquisition situations. A six-camera digital video imaging system with visible to MIR sensitivity was assembled in FY 2002. These systems have been evaluated for agricultural and natural resources applications. Precision farming research, integrated with remote sensing technology, has demonstrated that airborne multispectral imagery is useful for identifying within-field management zones and mapping yield variations. Imagery obtained during the growing season provides valuable crop growth and yield information and can be used in conjunction with environmental and agronomic data for yield estimation. The methodologies developed to integrate airborne
imagery, GPS, GIS, yield monitors, and ground sampling techniques for identifying spatial plant growth variability and mapping yield variability will have practical implications as remotely sensed imagery is becoming increasingly important for precision agriculture. Vegetation indices developed with airborne electronic imagery can be used to assess and compare the general health status of citrus trees in citrus orchards. ARS scientists have demonstrated that aerial color-infrared photography can be integrated with computer mapping technology to compare blackfly infestations occurring in different years. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Numerous requests have been received, both nationally and internationally, for reprints of research
papers published by Weslaco scientists. A map showing the distribution of citrus blackfly infestations in Lower Rio Grande Valley citrus groves was given to a local grower group. The map was developed from an aerial photographic survey conducted by ARS Weslaco personnel in FY 2003. An existing map developed in FY 2003 from GPS ground data showing the locations of boll weevil trap sites in the Lower Rio Grande Valley was expanded in FY 2004. The updated map was given to a commercial farming operation for use in tracking infestation areas and determining where early season spraying needs to be applied. Acreage estimates of the invasive weed, giant reed, along the Rio Grande in southwest Texas were given to a state agency. The information was obtained from satellite imagery of the area. Aerial photographs of a watershed and wildlife management area in southwest Texas were given to a USDA action agency. The imagery will be integrated with a GIS to assist in management of the area.
Lack of adoption of airborne imaging technology is constrained due to cost effectiveness and lack of operational methodologies. Various aerial photos and images and yield maps for grain sorghum and cotton fields have been given to local growers and the farming community. A high resolution QuickBird satellite image and a classification map derived from the image were transferred to the growers. The satellite image and classification map depict the crops and other land types in this intensively cropped area in the Rio Grande Valley. These images and yield maps can help growers make better management decisions. The lack of sufficient evidence on the profitability of precision farming is one major constraint to the adoption of this technology. The methodologies being developed in this research program for identifying variability and stress conditions using remote sensing have practical values and implications.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Davis, M.R. 2003. Using remote sensing to detect and map invasive plant species. Annals of Arid Zone. 41(3,4):321-342.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Flores, D. 2003. Using aerial photography and videography for distinguishing giant salvinia and waterlettuce infestations in southeast Texas. Forest Service Remote Sensing Conference Proceedings. CD-ROM.
- Summy, K.R., Little, C.R., Everitt, J.H., Davis, M.R., French, V.J., Scott, A.A. 2003. Detecting stress in glasshouse plants using color infrared imagery: a potential new application for remote sensing. Subtropical Plant Science. 55(1):51-58.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Bradford, J.M., Murden, D. 2003. Mapping cotton yield variability using airborne hyperspectral imagery and yield monitor data. International Conference on Precision Agriculture Abstracts & Proceedings. CD-ROM.
- Yang, C., Greenberg, S.M., Everitt, J.H., Sappington, T.W., Norman, J. 2003. Evaluation of cotton defoliation strategies using airborne multispectral imagery. Transactions of the ASAE. 46(3):869-76.
- Yang, C., Greenberg, S.M., Everitt, J.H., Davis, M.R., Norman, J.W. 2003. Evaluation of cotton regrowth control using remote sensing. 2003 Beltwide Cotton Conference. CD-ROM.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Mao, C., Davis, M.R. 2003. A ccd camera-based hyperspectral imaging system for stationary and airborne applications. Geocarto International. 18(2):71-80.
- Everitt, J.H., Davis, M.R. 2003. Using spatial information system technologies to detect and map waterhyacinth and hydrilla infestations in the Rio Grande river. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 41(2):93-98.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Davis, M.R. 2004. Remote mapping of two invasive weeds in the Rio Grande system of Texas. American Water Resources Association Conference Proceedings. CD-ROM.
- Fletcher, R.S., Everitt, J.H., Davis, M.R., Escobar, D.E. 2004. Using airborne imagery and GIS technology to map and compare citrus blackfly infestations occurring in different years. HortTechnology. 14(3):398-401.
- French, V.J., Everitt, J.H., Lonard, R.I. 2004. Cissus sicyoides c. linnaeus (vitaceae) a potential exotic pest in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Subtropical Plant Science. 55(1):72-74.
- Yang, C., Fernandez, C.J., Everitt, J.H. 2003. Mapping cotton root rot infestations with airborne multispectral imagery. ASAE Annual International Meeting. Paper No. 03-1109. CD-ROM.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? Agricultural and natural resource management is hampered by the inability to gather large-scale data quickly and inexpensively. Research is being conducted on the applications of cost-effective airborne electronic imaging systems that can acquire and provide timely information for the assessment and management of natural resources. This research should provide new approaches, better methodologies, and useful information for solving pest and environmental problems that affect waterways, agricultural areas, and rangelands. The use of airborne hyperspectral (many bands) remote sensing in both research and commercial applications has been steadily increasing in the last decade. These systems can capture imagery from numerous narrow bands within the visible to infrared regions of the spectrum, offering the possibility for identifying optimal bands and/or band combinations for agricultural
and natural resources applications. However, hyperspectral imaging systems have not been widely used primarily because of data acquisition cost and difficulties in geometric correction of the imagery. Recently, a low-cost airborne hyperspectral imaging system capable of capturing 128 bands in the visible and near-infrared regions has been assembled and tested. Chemical applications on agricultural crops at uniform rates could cause both economic loss and environmental problems such as ground water contamination. Precision agriculture may improve chemical use efficiency and reduce chemical leaching, thus increasing economic returns and improving environmental quality. Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing systems, in conjunction with global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), yield monitors, and ground sampling techniques, have been used to map spatial and temporal crop growth and yield variability and to determine within- field
management zones. A variable rate applicator capable of simultaneously varying rates of two different liquid fertilizers has been used to evaluate the yield differences and economic benefits between uniform and variable rate fertilizer applications. 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Aerial photography and satellite imagery have long been used for remote sensing applications, but their use is constrained by the lack of spectral and/or spatial (satellite) resolution, cloud-cover, and delivery of readily available data. The competitive agricultural economy and changing environmental conditions require the development of flexible remote sensing systems that can readily provide real time information to natural resource managers. Electronic imaging systems have coarser spatial resolution than photography; however, they have much better spatial resolution than satellite imagery. In addition, these aerial electronic systems can provide narrower spectral bands than aerial
photography and most satellite imagery and can be used under total cloud cover. The data is also readily available for immediate assessment and image analysis. Therefore, these systems provide timely information to meet the demands of resource managers. Excessive use of agricultural chemicals could be detrimental to the environment and is also a waste of agricultural energy and resources. Under-application of chemicals can result in crop yield, quality and economic losses. In the Rio Grande Valley, 20-30% of areas within some of the fields we studied did not produce enough yield to recoup planting costs. Nevertheless, farmers still treat their fields uniformly. By applying different fertilizer rates to different zones based on crop requirements, the total amount of fertilizer needed can be reduced, while maintaining yield. For agriculture in the United States to be competitive in the global economy and environmentally sound, precision farming technology has to be incorporated
into the agricultural production system. 3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? Advanced technologies, such as remote sensing, precision agriculture, and decision support systems, will be used to address the water quantity and quality problems in agricultural and natural resource management. The project relates to the Water Quality Protection and Management component and the Irrigation and Drainage Management component in the National Program 201 Water Quality and Management (60%). It also relates to the National Program 207 Integrated Farming Systems (40%). 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment during FY 2003 year: Hyperspectral imagery contains nearly continuous spectral data that could provide additional information that multispectral imagery may have missed. A Texas AM University collaborator and ARS scientists at the Kika de la Garza
Subtropical Agricultural Research Center, Weslaco, TX, examined airborne hyperspectral imagery for mapping grain sorghum and cotton yield variability as compared with yield monitor data. Statistical analyses showed that crop yield was significantly related to hyperspectral data. These results indicate that airborne hyperspectral imagery can be a useful data source for mapping crop yield variability. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any: Waterlettuce is a free-floating exotic aquatic weed that often invades and clogs waterways in the southeastern United States. A USDA-APHIS collaborator and ARS scientists at the Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center, Weslaco, TX, conducted a study to determine the feasibility of using remote sensing techniques to detect waterlettuce infestations. Field reflectance measurements showed that waterlettuce had higher green reflectance than associated plant species. Waterlettuce can be distinguished from other aquatic
vegetation in both aerial photography and videography, and computer image analysis techniques can be used to quantify infestations. Macartney rose is an evergreen shrub that often creates a range management problem in southeastern Texas. A Texas Southern University collaborator and ARS scientists at Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center, Weslaco, TX, evaluated remote sensing techniques for distinguishing Macartney rose infestations on rangelands. Field reflectance measurements showed that Macartney rose had higher near- infrared reflectance than other associated plant species in late winter. These results can facilitate its detection on color-infrared aerial photography. Citrus blackfly is a serious pest in south Texas citrus orchards. Using remote sensing and GIS technologies, ARS scientists at Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center, Weslaco, TX, developed a map that showed the locations of south Texas citrus orchards affected by citrus
blackfly outbreaks during 1993 and 2002. For both years, Hidalgo County was affected more than the other citrus-producing counties by the infestations. Airborne remote sensing imagery integrated with GIS technology can be used as a tool by citrus producers, state and federal agencies, consultants, and other scientists for mapping, monitoring, and comparing citrus blackfly outbreaks that occur in different years. Cotton root rot is a serious and destructive disease that significantly reduces cotton yield and lowers lint quality. Texas AM University collaborators and ARS scientists at the Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center, Weslaco, TX, evaluated airborne multispectral imagery for detecting and mapping root rot infestations in cotton fields near Corpus Christi. Results from image analysis and ground verification indicated that airborne imagery could be used to accurately identify root rot infested areas within fields. The mapping procedures and maps presented
in this study have practical implications for site-specific management of cotton root rot. C. Significant Accomplishments/Activities that Support Special Target Populations. None. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. ARS scientists at Weslaco, Texas, have developed several airborne electronic imaging systems with visible/near-infrared/middle-infrared sensitivity over the past two decades. These systems have shown practical value for a variety of natural resource applications, including differentiating among plant species/communities, crop varieties, and various soil surface conditions. A hyperspectral imaging system with visible to near-infrared sensitivity was developed in 2000, and a six- camera digital video imaging system with visible to middle-infrared sensitivity was assembled in 2002. These systems are being evaluated for agricultural and natural resources applications. Precision farming research,
integrated with remote sensing technology, has demonstrated that airborne multispectral imagery is useful for identifying within- field management zones and mapping yield variations. Imagery obtained during the growing season provides valuable crop growth and yield information and can be used in conjunction with environmental and agronomic data for yield estimation. The methodologies developed to integrate airborne imagery, GPS, GIS, yield monitors, and ground sampling techniques for identifying spatial plant growth variability and mapping yield variability will have practical implications as remotely sensed imagery is becoming increasingly important for precision agriculture. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? FY2004: Aerial photography and multispectral videography acquired in FY 2002-2003 of giant reedgrass and saltcedar along the Rio Grande in southwest and west Texas will be analyzed to quantify the infestations and to develop regional maps
depicting the distribution of these invasive weeds. Aerial photography, multispectral videography, and high resolution QuickBird satellite imagery obtained in FY 2003 of a large rangeland/wetland area in south Texas will be evaluated for rangeland and wetland management. A pilot test will be conducted to determine the feasibility of using airborne hyperspectral imagery for detecting saltcedar infestations along the Rio Grande near Presidio in west Texas. Field reflectance measurements and multispectral imagery obtained of Eurasian watermilfoil in FY 2003 will be analyzed for differentiating this invasive weed. ARS scientists will determine if foot and root rot disease levels in citrus orchards can be differentiated using field spectral reflectance measurements and airborne digital imagery. Water sample data, field reflectance measurements, and airborne hyperspectral imagery obtained during FY2004 will be analyzed to determine the optimal bands for assessing water quality at the Port
of Harlingen, Texas. A QuickBird satellite image acquired in FY2003 will be evaluated for crop identification and area estimation. The satellite image will also be examined for mapping within-field yield variability as compared with yield monitor data. Airborne hyperspectral imagery acquired from root rot infested cotton fields previously will be analyzed for mapping root rot infestations. Aerial photography and multispectral imagery will be collected from cotton fields to examine the usefulness of remote sensing technology for evaluating cotton regrowth control strategies for post- harvest destruction of cotton stalks. Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral images and yield monitor data collected in FY2003 will be analyzed and more data will be collected from grain sorghum and cotton fields. FY2005: Hyperspectral imagery obtained of saltcedar in FY 2004 will be analyzed to determine the optimum wavelengths for discriminating this invasive weed. QuickBird satellite imagery will be
obtained of saltcedar along the Rio Grande in west Texas to map infestations. ARS scientists will determine the application of the six-camera digital video imaging system for estimating yields and detecting disease incidences in potato fields. Aerial photography and multispectral imagery and ground reflectance data will be collected from cabbage plots to detect differences in growth and yields of cabbage plants treated with different combinations of insecticides. Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral images and yield monitor data will continue to be collected from grain sorghum and cotton fields to evaluate the reliability of airborne imagery for mapping yield and determining management zones. FY2006: Hyperspectral imagery obtained in FY 2005 of weed infestations on south Texas rangelands will be analyzed. QuickBird satellite imagery obtained in FY 2005 of saltcedar will be analyzed. ARS scientists will evaluate the six-camera digital video imaging system for estimating yields and
detecting disease incidences in peanut fields. The imagery and reflectance data collected from the cabbage plots in FY2005 will be analyzed. Hyperspectral imagery along with ground reflectance and chlorophyll data will be collected from a grain and/or a cotton field treated with different nitrogen levels to evaluate crop nitrogen status. 7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Numerous requests have been received, both nationally and internationally, for reprints of research papers published by Weslaco scientists. Maps showing the distribution of four invasive weed species (waterhyacinth, hydrilla, giant reed, and saltcedar) in the Rio Grande River system of Texas based on 2002 airborne surveys were given to Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department and Lower Rio Grande Valley Irrigation District personnel. The maps are being used in weed control projects by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. A map showing the distribution of citrus blackfly infestations in Lower Rio Grande Valley citrus groves was given to Texas Citrus Mutual personnel and was disseminated to growers. These maps were developed from aerial photographic and electronic imaging surveys conducted by ARS Weslaco. A map developed from GPS ground data showing the locations of boll weevil trap sites in the Lower Rio Grande Valley was given to a commercial farming operation for use in tracking infestation areas and determining where early season spraying needs to be applied. Research with the five-camera digital video and hyperspectral imaging systems over the next few years should identify new bands and/or band combinations that will be useful to resource managers, consultants and scientists for assessing natural resources. Lack of adoption of airborne
imaging technology is constrained due to cost effectiveness and lack of operational methodologies. Aerial digital images and yield maps collected from many fields have been transferred to farm managers and farmers. These images and yield maps produced from yield monitor data are used by the farm managers to assist them in making better management decisions. Also, the assembled variable rate applicator has been used successfully for variable rate fertilizer applications. The lack of sufficient evidence on the profitability of precision farming is one major constraint to the adoption of variable rate technology. The ongoing variable rate application research will provide more evidence on the profitability of precision farming in south Texas. The methodologies being developed in this research program for identifying variability and stress conditions using remote sensing have practical values and implications.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Yang, C., Greenberg, S.M., Everitt, J.H., Sappington, T.W., Davis, M.R., Norman Jr., J.W. Evaluation of cotton defoliation treatments with airborne digital imagery. CD-ROM. Proceedings of Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council of America. 2002.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Murden, D., Robinson, J.R.C. Spatial variability in yields and profits within ten grain sorghum fields in south Texas. Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 2002. v. 45(4). p. 897-906.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Bradford, J.M. Airborne hyperspectral imaging and yield monitoring of grain sorghum yield variability. 2002. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Paper No. 02-1079.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H., Bradford, J.M. Optimum time lag determination for yield monitoring with remotely sensed imagery. Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 2002. v. 45(6). p. 1737-1745.
- Everitt, J.H., Drawe, D.L., Lonard, R.I. Trees, shrubs, and cacti of south Texas. Revised edition. Texas Tech University Press, Lubbock, TX. 2002. 249 p.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Wilson, R.F., Alaniz, M.A., Davis, R.M. Remote sensing of Macartney rose in the Texas Coastal Prairie. The Southwestern Naturalist. 2002. v. 47(4). p. 566-575.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Flores, D. Light reflectance characteristics and remote sensing of waterlettuce. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 2003. v. 41(2). p. 39-44.
- Hunt, E.R., Everitt, J.H., Ritchie, J.C., Moran, M.S., Booth, D.T., Anderson, G.L., Clark, P.E., Seyfried, M.S. Applications and research using remote sensing for rangeland management. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing. 2003. v. 69(6). p. 675-693.
- Ritchie, J.C., Zimba, P.V., Everitt, J.H. Remote sensing techniques to assess water quality. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing. 2003. v. 69(6). p. 695-704.
- Moran, M.S., Fitzgerald, G, Rango, A., Walthall, C., Barnes, E., Bausch, W. , Clarke, T., Daughtery, C., Everitt, J., Escobar, D., Hatfield, J., Havstad, K., Jackson, T., Kitchen, N., Kustas, W., McGuire, M., Pinter, P., Sudduth, K., Scheppers, J., Schmugge, T., Starks, P., Upchurch, D. Sensor development and radiometric correction for agricultural applications. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing. 2003. v. 69(6). p. 705-718.
- Yang, C., Everitt, J.H. Relationships between yield monitor data and airborne multispectral multidate digital imagery for grain sorghum. Precision Agriculture, An International Journal on Advances in Precision Agriculture: 2002. v. 3(4). p. 373-388.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? Agricultural and natural resource management is hampered by the inability to gather large-scale data quickly and inexpensively. Research is being conducted on the applications of cost-effective airborne electronic imaging systems that can acquire and provide timely information for the assessment and management of natural resources. This research should provide new approaches, better methodologies, and useful information for solving pest and environmental problems that affect waterways, agricultural areas, and rangelands. The use of airborne hyperspectral (many bands) remote sensing in both research and commercial applications has been steadily increasing in the last decade. These systems can capture imagery from numerous narrow bands within the visible to infrared regions of the spectrum, offering the possibility for identifying optimal bands and/or band combinations for agricultural
and natural resource applications. However, hyperspectral imaging systems have not been widely used, primarily because of data acquisition cost and difficulties in geometric correction of the imagery. Recently, a low-cost airborne hyperspectral imaging system capable of capturing 128 bands in the visible and near-infrared regions has been assembled and tested. Chemical applications on agricultural crops at uniform rates could cause both economic loss and environmental problems, such as ground water contamination. Variable rate applications may improve chemical use efficiency and reduce nutrient leaching, thus increasing economic returns and improving environmental quality. Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing systems, in conjunction with global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), yield monitors, and ground sampling techniques, have been used to map spatial and temporal crop growth and yield variability and to determine within- field
management zones. A variable rate applicator capable of simultaneously varying rates of two different liquid fertilizers has been used to evaluate the yield differences and economic benefits between uniform and variable rate fertilizer applications. 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Aerial photography and satellite imagery have long been used for remote sensing applications, but their use is constrained by the lack of spectral and/or spatial (satellite) resolution, cloud cover, and delivery of readily available data. The competitive agricultural economy and changing environmental conditions require the development of flexible remote sensing systems that can readily provide real-time information to natural resource managers. Electronic imaging systems have coarser spatial resolution than photography; however, they have much better spatial resolution than satellite imagery. In addition, these aerial electronic systems can provide narrower spectral bands than aerial
photography and most satellite imagery and can be used under total cloud cover. The data is also readily available for immediate assessment and image analysis. Therefore, these systems provide timely information to meet the demands of resource managers. Excessive use of agricultural chemicals could be detrimental to the environment and is also a waste of agricultural energy and resources. Under-application of chemicals can result in crop yield, quality and economic losses. In the Rio Grande Valley, 20-30% of areas within some of the fields we studied did not produce enough yield to recoup planting costs. Nevertheless, farmers still treat their fields uniformly. By applying different fertilizer rates to different zones based on crop requirements, the total amount of fertilizer needed can be reduced, while maintaining yield. For agriculture in the United States to be competitive in the global economy and environmentally sound, precision farming technology has to be incorporated
into the agricultural production system. 3. How does it relate to the national Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? Electronic imaging systems developed and assembled by ARS scientists at Weslaco, TX, can provide scientists and natural resource managers with near-real-time multispectral data that can be readily used for assessing a variety of natural resources. This contributes to NP201 Water Quality and Management National Program (60%) and NP207 Integrated Farming Systems (40%). 4. What was your most significant accomplishment this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment During FY 2002? Giant salvinia is an invasive, exotic aquatic fern that occurs in waterways in south and southeast Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department collaborators and ARS scientists at the Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center, Weslaco, TX, evaluated remote sensing techniques for distinguishing giant salvinia. Results showed that
giant salvinia had unique reflectance characteristics that facilitated its detection on aerial color-infrared photography. Airborne remote sensing has potential for differentiating and mapping giant salvinia infestations over large and inaccessible areas. B. Other Significant Accomplishments? Riparian zones are often too large and inaccessible to determine their characteristics by ground surveys. A University of Texas-Pan American collaborator and ARS scientists at the Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center, Weslaco, TX, tested the feasibility of using remote sensing techniques to assess a riparian area in south Texas. Results showed that aerial color-infrared photography, in conjunction with computer image analysis, could be used to differentiate and quantify dominant cover types. This remote sensing-based method has practical implications for improving data accuracy in yield monitoring. C. Significant Accomplishments/Activities that Support Special Target
Populations? None. 5. Describe your major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact? Research conducted in the mid-infrared water absorption spectral region in the 1970's by ARS scientists led to the development of a single black- and-white mid-infrared video camera system in the mid-1980's. The system showed potential for a variety of applications (i.e., irrigation management, distinguishing plant vigor, etc.). Advancements in electronics in the early 1990's revolutionized video technology. As a result of this improvement, ARS scientists upgraded the original mid- infrared system and pursued to design and assemble a 3-band multispectral digital video system that produces imagery similar to thematic mapper 5, 4, 3 (mid-infrared/near-infrared/visible red bands, respectively) satellite data in 1997. In 1998, a 12-band digital video imaging system with visible/near-infrared sensitivity was designed and assembled. This system has the
capability of generating four false color composite images from any selectable three-band combination among the 12 cameras, as keyed by the red-green-blue color inputs of the digitizing board. These systems have shown practical value for a variety of natural resource applications, including differentiating among plant species/communities, crop varieties and various soil surface conditions. Precision farming research, integrated with remote sensing technology in the last six years, has demonstrated that airborne imagery is useful for identifying within- field management zones and mapping yield variations. Imagery obtained during the growing season provides valuable crop growth and yield information and can be used in conjunction with environmental and agronomic data and simulation models for yield forecasting. A variable rate applicator, capable of simultaneously controlling two rates of liquid fertilizers, was assembled in 1997, tested and used successfully in the last five
growing seasons. Field tests showed variable rate fertilizer application resulted in 10% higher yield than uniform treatments. The methodologies developed to integrate airborne imagery, GPS, GIS, yield monitors, and ground sampling techniques for identifying spatial plant growth variability and mapping yield variability will have practical implications as remotely sensed imagery is becoming increasingly important for precision agriculture. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? FY 2003: Aerial photography and videography and field reflectance data acquired in FY2002 of giant reedgrass will be analyzed. Additional imagery of giant reedgrass and saltcedar along the Rio Grande River in west Texas will be obtained. Airborne hyperspectral imagery obtained of rangeland study sites in FY2002 will be analyzed. Field reflectance data and aerial imagery will be acquired of watermilfoil infestations in central and south Texas waterways. Hyperspectral
imagery will be obtained of desert rangeland sites at Jornada Experimental Range in New Mexico. The significance of mid-infrared imagery for modeling cotton growth variables (i.e., plant height, plant width, wet biomass, dry biomass, and plant cover) will be evaluated. ARS scientists will determine if foot rot disease levels in citrus orchards can be differentiated using field spectral reflectance measurements and airborne digital imagery. Imagery provided by the five camera system will be evaluated for distinguishing plant species and other land features within a coastal environment. The five-camera system will be upgraded to a six- camera system. This system will provide visible, red-edge, near-infrared, and mid-infrared imagery. Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral images, ground reflectance data, and yield monitor data will be collected from grain sorghum and cotton fields for mapping crop yield variability. Analytical techniques will be explored for analysis of
hyperspectral image data. Variable rate fertilizer application will be conducted to evaluate the economic viability of variable rate technology. FY2004: Airborne imagery acquired of giant reedgrass and saltcedar in FY2003 will be analyzed and distribution maps of these two noxious weeds will be developed. Field and airborne data collected in FY2003 of watermilfoil will be analyzed. Additional hyperspectral imagery of desert rangeland sites in New Mexico will be acquired and data collected in FY2003 of these sites will be analyzed. High resolution IKONOS satellite imagery will be evaluated for detecting giant reedgrass and saltcedar infestations. Airborne hyperspectral imagery will be evaluated for detecting waterhyacinth and hydrilla infestations in south Texas waterways. Water sample data, field reflectance measurements, and airborne hyperspectral images obtained during FY2002 and FY2003 of the Arroyo Colorado River will be analyzed to determine the potential of hyperspectral
imagery for assessing water quality in south Texas waterways. Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral images and yield monitor data will continue to be collected from the grain sorghum and cotton fields to evaluate the reliability of airborne imagery for mapping yield and determining management zones. Comparisons will be made between multispectral and hyperspectral imagery for mapping variability. Variable rate fertilizer strategies will be evaluated, modified and implemented. FY2005: Satellite imagery collected in FY2004 of giant reedgrass and saltcedar will be analyzed. Hyperspectral imagery collected in FY2004 of waterhyacinth and hydrilla in south Texas and desert rangeland sites in New Mexico will be analyzed. ARS scientists will determine if the six-camera digital video system can be used for detecting disease and weed infestations in peanut and potato fields. Imagery of peanut and potato fields acquired during FY2003 and FY2004 will be used to complete this study.
Operational methodologies for mapping variability for grain sorghum and cotton will be optimized. Optimal bands for mapping crop yields and growth conditions will be identified. Agronomic and economic benefits of variable rate fertilizer application will be evaluated. 7. What technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer other scientist)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption durability of the technology? Numerous requests have been received, both nationally and internationally, for reprints of research papers published by Weslaco scientists. Aerial color-infrared photographs distinguishing infestations of the aquatic weed waterlettuce in southeast Texas waterways were given to land owners and APHIS personnel. Aerial color-infrared photographs of citrus groves in the Lower Rio Grande Valley were given to federal agencies. Research with the five-camera digital video and
hyperspectral imaging systems over the next few years should identify new bands and/or band combinations that will be useful to resource managers, consultants and scientists for assessing natural resources. Lack of adoption of airborne imaging technology is constrained due to cost effectiveness and lack of operational methodologies. Aerial digital images and yield maps collected from many fields have been transferred to farm managers and farmers in the last five years. The images and yield maps produced from yield monitor data are used by the farm managers to assist them in making better management decisions. Also, the assembled variable rate applicator has been used successfully for variable rate fertilizer applications in the last five years. The lack of sufficient evidence on the profitability of precision farming is one major constraint to the adoption of precision agriculture. Operational methodologies for integrating remote sensing, GPS, GIS, yield monitoring, soil
sampling, fertility management and variable rate technology have not been well developed. The ongoing variable rate application research will provide more evidence on the profitability of precision farming in south Texas. The methodologies being developed in this research program for identifying variability and stress conditions using remote sensing have practical values and implications. During the USDA-Ag Science Day, ARS scientists provided information on remote sensing applications in agricultural and natural resources to producers, scientists, and the general public.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Escobar, D.E., Lonard, R.I., Davis, M.R. Reflectance characteristics and remote sensing of a riparian zone in south Texas. The Southwestern Naturalist. 2002. v. 47(3). p. 433-439.
- Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Helton, R.J., Hartmann, L.H., Davis, M.R. Remote sensing of giant salvinia in Texas waterways. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 2002. v. 40(1). p. 11-16.
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