How NCAS Leverages Drones for Precision Agriculture

Nature Coast Aerial Services gathers precise plant-level and even leaf-level data using high-precision drones carrying a seamlessly integrated multispectral imaging system built for agriculture survey missions, environmental monitoring, and more. Our workflows consolidate the process of capturing vegetation and environmental data and gives insight into crop health, vegetation management, canopy heights/volumes, stand counts, weed detection, early pest/disease/fungus detection, erosion analysis, moisture properties, and crop yield estimates. Early and precise detection allows for early and precise treatments.

We collect information and gain deep insights using data collected by a standard RGB camera and a multispectral camera array with 5 additional cameras covering Blue, Green, Red, Red Edge, and Near Infrared bands. Each camera is synchronized, providing centimeter-level accurate measurements. When required, such as for accurate crop/tree canopy height and volumes. we enhance the accuracy of the drone's onboard RTK positioning system via an air-gapped (no internet required) High Precision GNSS Mobile Station for centimeter-level precision Post Processed Kinematics (PPK).

Once accurate data is obtained post-processing begins. NCAS utilizes both known and our own custom developed Vegetative Indexes (VI) and algorithms which can be utilized in various ways to extract key data points regarding crop status depending on type of crop and use case. A Vegetative Index (VI) is a transformation of two or more image bands of a spectral image to enhance the vegetation properties and canopy structure variations to understand the vigor and characteristics of a particular crop.

One can look at a seemingly green and healthy plant and not realize it is under stresses that could adversely impact its overall health and eventual yields. Our multispectral sensor equipped drones detect invisible spectral information beyond the visible light spectrum that enables evaluation of the real status of vegetation health. For example, the red edge band allows for us to interpret chlorophyll levels in individual plants (and even leaf-level) and compare them over time to respond and manage the environment for best outcomes. Using this information, preventative action can be taken during the early stages of a pest infestation, disease onset, or nutrient deficiency. Below is a table of just some of the VI's integrated into our workflows and solutions.

Nature Coast Aerial Solutions can adapt our workflows to work with your specific crop and conditions. There are many use cases for our services beyond the aforementioned including;

PHENOTYPING - Manually measuring plant characteristics is time-consuming. Our cameras capture more data in less time, allowing growers to understand different breeds reaction to certain environments and modify desirable traits in order to improve yield.

CROP HEALTH MAPPING

Low chlorophyll content is often an early indicator of plant stress. Our sensors captures both visible and invisible spectral bands. From the different bands, it is possible to generate indices to see individual chlorophyll levels in the plants and compare over time

WATER MANAGEMENT

Our sensors can provide insights into field water management. For example, color composites using the NIR band (like CIR) can help users identify overly damp areas. In addition, areas that are benefiting from excess irrigation will be highlighted.

FERTILIZER MANAGEMENT

RedEdge-MX not only allows for easy identification of areas low in nutrients but also help monitor the effects of fertilizer applications throughout the season and determine if, when, and where a new application is needed

DISEASE IDENTIFICATION

RedEdge-MX captures a critical part of the light spectrum for studying plants (712–722 nm), called the red edge band. It is in this section of the spectrum that the first signs of stress start to show. Using analytics generated with the red edge band, growers can identify disease sooner and act faster to stop the spread

SPECIES DIFFENTIATION

Some differences among species may not be visible to the naked eye. High-quality multispectral data allows for species differentiation by highlighting characteristics such as chlorophyll content, vigor, and leaf size.

WEED DETECTION

Analytics developed with multispectral data can identify and highlight weeds, as weeds may have a different spectral signature than the planted crop.

ADVANCED CROP SCOUTING

High-quality multispectral imagery provides advanced field scouting capabilities. In one flight, it is possible to collect accurate and geotagged information of a problem, making easy to assess the situation and determine the appropriate intervention.

TERRAIN MODELING

One of the advantages of a calibrated multispectral sensor is the generation of aligned outputs, which can be used to create digital surface models (DSM). A DSM provides insights into water management, land uses and terrain elevation.

LEAK SCOUTING

By measuring the reflectance on the red edge band detection of irrigation leaks is possible. The reflectance of the plants located in the areas with excessive irrigation will vary from the rest of the field, oftentimes appearing healthier and showing high NDRE values.