SODSAT

Remote precision management of turf grass sod production by means of artificial intelligence and satellite imaging

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The agricultural surfaces employed for turf grass sod production are increasing yearly thanks to expanding demand and thanks to the relative profitability of this type of crop. Sod (natural turf) production agriculture in the EU can be estimated in excess of 80.000 ha and 20.000 workers for a revenue of approximately 2.4 Bn €. As such, turf grass sod production is gradually shifting from the status of niche production to agricultural crop proper. In order to maintain the current profitability in an increasingly competitive market, sod growers need to increase or maintain certain quality parameters (uniformity of colour, texture, density, etc.), while addressing spiralling costs for fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation water. Naturally, an optimization in the use of these inputs would not only keep production costs down, but it would also greatly diminish the environmental impact and footprint of sod production.

Satellite spectral imagery, thanks to the frequent high correlation between spectral reflectance parameters and several crop parameters, would go a long way in identifying excesses or deficiencies in irrigation and fertilization. Satellite imagery analysis for crop production currently exists, but it is aimed and calibrated for traditional crops (wheat, maize, etc.) and not for turf grass sod production, which needs the development of dedicated new tools to be used in such production fields. Adding on-site valuable sensing, increased yield on natural turf grass production may be achieved.

The project solved this situation by developing a web based expert system, multi spectral satellite imaging analysis and on-site sensing and portable devices software to aid decision making in sod farms, in order to decrease chemical and agronomical inputs, while maintaining or increasing turf grass quality. The system will provide expert agronomical recommendations based on its historic and current data and current multi spectral image processing and on-site sensing'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Turf grass production is getting a high-tech boost from an artificial intelligence and satellite imaging system that allows growers to precisely manage their sod farms.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Used for covering lawns and sports fields, turf grass sod is a section of grass-covered soil held together by matted roots. A growing demand for turf has increased agricultural land used for sod production along with increased irrigation and other agricultural inputs required to keep the turf healthy.

In response to this, the EU-funded http://www.sodsat-project.com (SODSAT) (Remote precision management of turf grass sod production by means of artificial intelligence and satellite imaging) project is developing a monitoring system to remotely manage sod production.

SODSAT's technology uses a web-based satellite imaging analysis system to precisely manage turf sod production. By translating images into agronomical information, the system will provide intelligent and terrain-specific recommendations for farmers. In addition, on-field climatic sensors will contribute data on water levels, temperatures and wind speed.

Researchers have developed a working prototype based on specifications and case studies conducted by turf grass experts. Technical parameters informed by these studies will be used to grow healthier turf using reduced water and chemical inputs, while controlling and preventing disease.

Apart from providing a more profitable turf crop, SODSAT's system will aid the environment by reducing the use of water and agricultural chemicals. Once complete, this project will have a wide environmental and socioeconomic impact.