Application of remote sensing technologies to improve yield and water-use efficiency in irrigated peanuts

Abstract

Remote sensing imagery of irrigated peanut crops using simple airborne digital video camera systems offers growers and consultants a cost effective technique for the assessment of „spatial‟ variability in crop performance. Images of near infra-red reflectance taken from irrigated peanut crops (pivots) in southern Queensland showed major variability arising from crop stress, which was most likely a result of poor irrigation distribution and/or poor water infiltration. Near infra-red reflectance from peanut crops taken at approximately 4 to 6 weeks prior to harvest was also shown to be highly correlated with final pod yield, and offers a potential yield forecasting technique for growers and industry. The close association also allows an assessment of the magnitude of the yield deficit resulting from spatial variability (or 'yield gap'). This provides growers and consultants with a useful method to calculate the economic impact of reducing the „yield gap‟ in their own fields and has potential to be utilised as a strategic tool for identifying problems and improving various aspects of crop management.