Use of Information Technologies for Precision Crop Protection

The spatial variability of soil properties within fields offers various conditions for the diverse development of crops as well as many pests (i.e., animal pests, pathogens, and weeds). The acquisition of the small-scale variability of soil properties provides multiple possibilities to optimize site-specific crop protection. The main objective of this subproject is to correlate soil-borne pests with the spatial variability of soil properties. The site-specific detection of pests is carried out in cooperation with other subprojects of the research training group. Soil properties are detected by (i) conventional sampling and subsequent analyses, and (ii) by non-invasive geophysical and spectroscopic methods, in order to enhance the spatial and temporal density of soil information.
In this project, we focus on soil texture, soil organic carbon, pH, lime, and nutrient contents. Non-invasive methods to determine these variables are georeferenced measurements of the apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) and near- to mid-infrared spectra. Hyperspectral sensors which cover the whole NIR spectrum up to 2500 nm are available; they are expected to be developed for on-the-go-measurements during this research period. The high-resolution determination of soil properties will improve the fundamental understanding of the patchy incidence of soil-borne pests. Soil heterogeneity and the related occurrence of particular pests are mapped. This will (i) help to identify subplots of potential pest occurrence and (ii) lead to a better prediction of the necessity of pesticide application. The outcome will be a site-specific application of pesticides, which will be proved in field experiments. The knowledge gained from this project may help to reduce pesticide application in agricultural use.