Detection of Root Biomass using Ultra Wideband Radar - an Approach to Potato Nest Positioning

In this paper are presented the most important principles of data acquisition and processing for detection of biomass using high resolution ultra-wideband (UWB) M-Sequence-Radar. The similarities and differences of sugar beet detection and potato detection are particularly emphasized. The problem and the objective of the detection of the potato nest’s bottom are described. Results of the analysis of backscattered signals from the potato ridge and transmitted signals through the potato ridge are given. The radar features and geometrical influences of the scenario are considered and discussed. The principle of potato detection in the driving direction and the preliminary results under laboratory conditions are analyzed and illustrated. At the end the possibilities to develop the method are discussed.