Applications of Optical Sensing of Crop Health and Vigour

This chapter presents case studies that focus on canopy sensing using proximal and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-mounted optical sensors, rather than satellite-based optical sensing applications. The potential use of optical canopy sensing for crop quality and quantity is explored across four varied case studies. The case studies have been chosen to represent a diversity of crops, countries and stages of sensor development and translation (from emerging research to near commercial applications). In each case study, optical sensing is shown to be relevant to assessing productivity, either directly or through an indicator of crop health. It represents a powerful tool for crop management; however, across all the case studies, the optical sensing solution could only be used directly to address local issues. A clear message is that the suitability and adaptability of this technology to a variety of end-uses in cropping systems depends on local calibration and interpretation. The need for these is a limitation to technology adoption despite the widespread potential applications of optical sensors.