Real-time Crop Monitoring: Algorithm Revolutionizes Farming
Researchers at South Dakota State University have developed a novel algorithm that allows farmers to monitor their crops in real time. By utilizing timely satellite observations, the algorithm calculates high spatial and high temporal crop greenness development, providing accurate timing for crop phenology. The algorithm can monitor crop growth at a 30-meter field scale and accurately predict six dates of crop growth transition stages. This information can guide farmers in their crop management, including irrigation scheduling and estimating yield size. The algorithm is expected to become a new geospatial tool for monitoring crop progress and condition, with potential applications for evaluating worldwide food security.