Automated extraction of agronomic parameters in orchard plots from high-resolution imagery

The availability of high spatial resolution images obtaine d from aerial and satellite sensors together with the development of new image analysis methods are providi ng an important impulse to precision agricul- ture techniques and applications. We describe an automated me thodology for the extraction of agronomic parameters from tree orchard plots based on the use of high-resolut ion remotely sensed imagery, which can be further used to increase the efficiency of irrigation and agricu ltural plot management in the SUDOE area. These methods are based on parcel-based image analysis, and a variety of parameters are obtained including tree detection, location and counting, planting patterns, tree crown, vegetation cover and others. Since common data and image processing techniques are used, they can be easily impl emented in production processes and cover large agricultural areas. The methods are tested on citrus orchard plots located in Valencia (Spain), showing a good performance in particular for adult trees. In addition t o the particular use of the ground cover for the esti- mation of water requirement, these parameters can also be used a s support tools for agricultural inventories or database updating, allowing for the reduction of field work and manual interpretation tasks.

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