Evaluating the Use of Lower-Cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems (UAS) in Acquiring Digital Imagery for Precision Agriculture

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Organization:

North Carolina State University – Research

Amount:

58208.63

Program Area:

Open Grants Program

County of Applicant:

Wake

Year:

04/03/2014

Description:

The purpose of this grant is to provide funding to North Carolina State University (NCSU) to investigate the use of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to improve agricultural practices by using high resolution, remotely-sensed aerial imagery to give instant feedback on agricultural-related factors such as nutrient status, pest and disease incidence, and water stress. The project will partner with the NextGen Air Transportation (NGAT) Center to use UAVs to collect aerial images of research plots located in eastern North Carolina. Images will be captured at key times throughout the growing season and compared to field measurements of nutrient status, soil moisture, and spectral reflectance. The data collected will help assess the agricultural benefits of using UAVs in terms of both cost saving and potential increase in productivity. An economic analysis will also be conducted. Golden LEAF funds will be used for salaries, equipment, travel, and testing costs.

Contact:

Dr. Josh Heitman
North Carolina Research Campus
600 Laureate Way
Kannapolis, 
North Carolina 
28081 
(919) 515-2655