Application of an early prediction model of biomass and grain production
CerPred
Implementation methology
ELGO DEMETER, within the framework of the H2020 program entitled AGROCYCLE, has developed an innovative methodology for estimating the nutrition needs and forecasting the production of rice, mapping fields using multispectral sensors fitted to UAVs or from high-resolution satellite images , combined with meteorological measurements. The above innovative methodology for estimating biomass and forecasting production can also be applied to grain producing fields such as barley, corn, etc. Aerial imagery collection will be conducted at pre-defined plant growth stages in the small-scale pilot fields and then satellite remote sensing data (for the large-scale pilot fields) will be analyzed and fed into biomass estimation models which, together with network data local weather stations, will predict the ideal harvest stage and yield.
Biomass samples will be collected during the growing season for laboratory analyzes to assess the accuracy of the proposed methodology. In addition, data will be imported and improve forecasting models. In the pilot fields (with a total area of at least 80 acres), a collection of cost figures will be carried out for the purpose of the techno-economic analysis. In this way, the profit will be evaluated and comparisons will be made between the traditional and the proposed innovative cultivation system, as far as the choice of utilizing the production for seed or plant mass is about.
The Innovation
This Operational Plan innovates by altering the cultivation system to develop a new cereal (e.g., corn or barley) cultivation protocol aimed at maximizing yield and biomass. This is based on the analysis of remote sensing indices throughout the growing period. Timely identification of optimal field management strategies is projected to increase profitability and represent an innovation by establishing a unique cultivation protocol.
Additionally, there is potential for reduced cultivation costs through controlled fertilization and irrigation, particularly when targeting biomass production.
Agricultural European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI)
The objective of Measure 16 is to strengthen the culture of cooperation between the involved bodies with the aim of:
- strengthening the competitiveness of businesses in primary production (agricultural holdings) in the food sector, mainly local products but also as well as
- the search for new cultivation practices and production practices that contribute to the protection of the environment but also to adaptation to climate change.
Through the partnerships that will be developed, the opportunity will be given to utilize new technologies and innovative processes for:
- the production of safer and healthier food.
- the reduction of water consumption and in general the cost of inputs for economic and environmental benefit
- ensuring the uniqueness of certified agricultural products
