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Scientists from North-Caucasus Federal University (NCFU) have developed a device for assessing soil condition and monitoring plant growth and development. This development helps increase the efficiency of precision agriculture and, consequently, increase crop yields. This was reported by the university's press service.
One of the main tasks of precision agriculture is managing seed germination quality and increasing crop yields in each field using the latest technologies. As explained at the university, today farmers use unmanned aerial and space vehicles to optimize crop production. However, as scientists claim, space devices do not allow to determine the physicochemical parameters of the soil in the area of plant root systems.
"Agricultural technologies have long moved to a digital level, creating new potential for optimizing processes in agriculture. For NCFU, this direction is strategically important," - the words of the university's rector Dmitry Bespalov are quoted in the message.
A group of NCFU scientists has developed a method for point analysis of the physicochemical properties of the soil in the area of plant root systems (0.3 - 0.6 m). For the practical implementation of this method, the authors proposed using a radar system that irradiates the Earth's surface at an angle to increase the reflected radio signal (Bruster effect).
"We have developed a patented method and device for analyzing subsurface soil horizons using the Bruster effect and Fresnel equations. The method is based on creating a radar system consisting of two unmanned aerial vehicles that provide angular irradiation of the Earth's surface. We have not only experimentally proven the effectiveness of this technique but also tested it at several large agricultural enterprises in our region," said Gennady Linets, one of the authors of the development.
He noted that using Fresnel equations, researchers can determine the soil's electrical conductivity and moisture with lower time and money costs (high soil moisture means high electrical conductivity).
Since the distribution of moisture can vary significantly within one field, the new data obtained through this method allow timely agricultural measures to be taken to prevent degradation of agricultural lands, especially in arid and marshy areas. Moreover, the data will also help determine the necessary amount of fertilizers for the soil.
