Hyperspectral Imagery Analysis provides proven technological innovation for high assest land and crop management.

 Hyperspectral Imagery Analysis for vineyard application, provides an additional tool to aid vineyard managers and growers alike in the application of precision viticulture  practices. Atmospherically corrected high-resolution imagery is used to produce a number of image maps. Namely; graded vineyard greenness index, vine-canopy gap identification and quantification, vine-variety classification and identification and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). These image maps can either individually or collectively help vineyard managers and wine-makers alike to make more informed management decisions regarding the high-value vineyard plantations.

 

The graded vine canopy greenness image presents the observable vine vigour (greenness) variations within each vine block. Separation of a vineyard into discrete management units facilitates better targeting of vineyard practices such as irrigation, fertilization, spraying, pruning and harvesting. The result of targeted management practices through prior knowledge of the location and the condition of a management unit can lead to significant savings in resources, i.e. water, chemicals, fertilizers and effort, as well as providing the means to improve the vineyard uniformity and hence yield and quality consistency. Another significant advantage of the use of such imagery is the ability to harvest segments of a vineyard block at optimum times in terms of ripeness which may be dependent on the condition of a given management unit. Partitioning harvesting times according to vine condition also avoids the mix of higher quality grapes with the lesser ones increasing the overall value of the harvest, which can be significant in the premium wine market.

Hyperspectral Imagery Analysis,is a valuable tool that CAN BE USED TO IDENTIFY almost any plant species. Once identified H.I.A.can be used to set goals to manage, care, or elimate a particular plant spieces. A perfect example of this would be invasive plants, that are overtaking a landscape causing economic harm to a particular crop or region. 
 

For information about how Hyperspectroal Imaging can help you manage your crop, e mail Dr.Ormiston@gardencoaches.org.