Laser and ultrassonic sensors for variable rate application in orange based on canopy volume

• Grant number: 13/18853-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: December 01, 2013
• End date: September 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agricultural Engineering - Agricultural Machinery and Implements
• Principal Investigator: José Paulo Molin
• Grantee: André Freitas Colaço
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Precision agriculture allows variable rate application of inputs based on spatial variability within a production area. Tree canopy structure can vary within a citrus orchard and it can be used to guide variable rate applications. Sensors that can estimate canopy volume of trees in real time have been evaluated for this purpose. In Florida State, USA, the high variation on canopy structures justifies the use of these sensors to guide variable rate applications - orchards are not renewed frequently and plants are gradually replaced as it turns unproductive or infected by diseases. In Brazil, citrus orchards are totally renewed periodically which makes it more uniform, although replacement of infected trees can and soil variability can also cause variation on the structure of trees. Thus, the objective of this study is to characterize the spatial variability of canopy volume of orange trees and verify if it justifies variable rate application of inputs. Measurements on individual plants will be carried using laser and ultrasonic sensors. Values will be compared with manual measurements of canopy volume. Commercial fields of different varieties and ages will be scanned to verify spatial variability. Prescriptions of fertilizers and spraying based on canopy volume will be created and the input consumption will be compared with conventional application.

Scientific publications

(5)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

COLACO, ANDRE F.; TREVISAN, RODRIGO G.; MOLIN, JOSE P.; ROSELL-POLO, JOAN R.; ESCOLA, ALEXANDRE. A Method to Obtain Orange Crop Geometry Information Using a Mobile Terrestrial Laser Scanner and 3D Modeling. REMOTE SENSING, v. 9, n. 8, AUG 2017. (13/18853-0)

COLACO, ANDRE F.; MOLIN, JOSE P.; ROSELL-POLO, JOAN R.; ESCOLA, ALEXANDRE. Application of light detection and ranging and ultrasonic sensors to high-throughput phenotyping and precision horticulture: current status and challenges. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH, v. 5, JUL 1 2018. (13/18853-0)

COLACO, ANDRE F.; MOLIN, JOSE P.; ROSELL-POLO, JOAN R.; ESCOLA, ALEXANDRE. Spatial variability in commercial orange groves. Part 1: canopy volume and height. PRECISION AGRICULTURE, v. 20, n. 4, p. 788-804, AUG 2019. (13/18853-0)

COLACO, ANDRE F.; MOLIN, JOSE P.; ROSELL-POLO, JOAN R.; ESCOLA, ALEXANDRE. Spatial variability in commercial orange groves. Part 2: relating canopy geometry to soil attributes and historical yield. PRECISION AGRICULTURE, v. 20, n. 4, p. 805-822, AUG 2019. (13/18853-0)

COLACO, ANDRE F.; MOLIN, JOSE P.; ROSELL-POLO, JOAN R.; ESCOLA, ALEXANDRE. Application of light detection and ranging and ultrasonic sensors to high-throughput phenotyping and precision horticulture: current status and challenges. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH, v. 5, p. 11-pg., 2018-07-01. (13/18853-0)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

COLAÇO, André Freitas. Mobile terrestrial laser scanner for site-specific management in orange crop. 2016. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC) Piracicaba.