Applying remote sensing in precision farming-a case study in Yucheng

A new generation of farmers can use aerial and satellite remote sensing imagery to help them more efficiently manage their croplands. By measuring precisely the way their fields reflect and emit energy at visible and infrared wavelengths, precision farmers can monitor a wide range of variables that affect their crops. The management of their cropland could be adjusted dynamically based on the crop and environment info in their field. The key of precision farming is to acquire the crop and environment info effectively. With the background of an extremely complex agricultural landscape in China, the limitations on applying remote sensing in field level crop and environment info monitoring to support precision farming were analyzed in detail and three major factors were identified: temporal and spatial resolution, accuracy and information releasing channel. A paradigm was provided in Yucheng, Shandong province, China. The crop and environment info were acquired instantly with remote sensing and delivered to farmers through a portable information servicing system. The information service was proved effective in improving farmers' production while reducing the negative impacts of farming on the environment that come from over-application of chemicals.