Satellite images could provide crucial insights for farmers 

A new system of markers that can be deployed in precision farming has been announced by scientists of the Tomsk State University, TSU which  relies on satellite images as the main source of information. Visual characteristics unique for particular soil indicators are studied and the library of collected data is used for training artificial intelligence to conduct a digital analysis of the fields and help to increase their yield.

According to Oleg Merzlyakov, Associate Professor of Soil Science and Soil Ecology Department of the TSU, “Physical and chemical characteristics of the soil are the main parameters which influence the condition of crops, the dynamics of their growth and, as a result, the yield. It means the productivity and profit of agricultural companies also depend on these parameters. The analysis methods that we use today do not allow us to obtain detailed information on the entire area of the field”.

This new method provides a detailed information of the entire field based on the analysis of spectral optical reflectivity and soil indicators, no matter how large the acreage. The reflectivity coefficient provides information on the soil’s humus content, its grain-size distribution, degree of moisture, and other agro physical features. 

Farmers will be able identify problem areas of the field including areas where the soil has high acidity or insufficient nitrogen content.