Elements of an Integrated Phenotyping System for Monitoring Crop Status at Canopy Level

Authors

Donald Rundquist, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Anatoly A. Gitelson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Bryan Leavitt, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Arthur Zygielbaum, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Richard L. Perk, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Galina P. Keydan, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2014

Citation

Agronomy 2014, 4, 108-123; doi:10.3390/agronomy4010108

Comments

Copyright © 2014, the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Open access, Creative Commons Attribution license 4.0.

Abstract

Great care is needed to obtain spectral data appropriate for phenotyping in a scientifically rigorous manner. This paper discusses the procedures and considerations necessary and also suggests important pre-processing and analytical steps leading to real-time, non-destructive assessment of crop biophysical characteristics. The system has three major components: (1) data-collection platforms (with a focus on backpack and tractor-mounted units) including specific instruments and their configurations; (2) data-collection and display software; and (3) standard products depicting crop-biophysical characteristics derived using a suite of models to transform the spectral data into accurate, reliable biophysical characteristics of crops, such as fraction of green vegetation, absorbed photosynthetically active radiation, leaf area index, biomass, chlorophyll content and gross primary production. This system streamlines systematic data acquisition, facilitates research, and provides useful products for agriculture.