Use of Sentinel-2 Images to Elaborate a VRT Sensor-Based and Map-Based Nitrogen Fertilization in Wheat and Barley Crops
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Precision agriculture can determine the amount of nitrogen (N) required in each area to optimize yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). The use of variable rate technology (VRT) for planning N fertilization has often relied on techniques that are unfeasible for farmers with limited resources. This study aims to present a variable fertilization plan for wheat and barley, along with a protocol to determine the optimal timing for the second nitrogen (N) application, thereby minimizing the need for in situ crop monitoring. Two approaches are studied: a more straightforward sensor-based method and a map-based method. The sensor-based approach involved modeling the maximum NDVI based on the observed value at the time of application and the required N level, achieving an R2 of 0.55 ± 0.06 and 0.72 ± 0.04, an MAE of 0.025 ± 0.002 and 0.039 ± 0.002, and an RMSE of 0.049 ± 0.007 and 0.055 ± 0.004 for wheat and barley, respectively. The map-based approach relied on training models to estimate the nitrogen dose to be applied based on the target yield and reflectance data from Sentinel-2 at the time of application. Using random forest algorithms, an R2 of 0.97 ± 0.01 and 0.96 ± 0.02, an MAE of 3.33 ± 0.20 kg N ha−1 and 2.01 ± 0.13 kg N ha−1, and an RMSE of 4.79 ± 0.31 kg N ha−1 and 3.27 ± 0.58 kg N ha−1 for wheat and barley, respectively.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app152111646
Institutions: Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4415813583