By Mykyta Dubina
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Agriculture is one of the oldest human activities. Not only the economies of many countries but also global food security still depends on the productivity of the farming sector today. However, this particular industry is one of the leaders in terms of negative impact on the environment. Therefore, agricultural producers face a challenge, not only to feed a growing global population but also to increase yields sustainably. In the context of climate change, the task is even more difficult.
Crop yield refers to the quantity of crops produced per unit land area. The measurement is typically stated in kilograms per hectare or bushels per acre. Estimating a farmer’s agricultural output on a particular field over a certain period is commonly done using the yield per acre indicator. The result of all efforts made by farmers is expressed in this indicator. That is the reason why growers search for an answer to the question of how to get high crop yield per hectare.
Modern science and technology give farmers lots of new opportunities. Different innovations, including predicting crop yield remote sensing satellite data help to improve the valuable experience of previous generations of growers. Here you can learn about various factors affecting crops and effective methods that can help achieve higher results in their fields.
Methods to Enhance Crop Yield
High crop yields and increased agricultural sector productivity are essential for growing market, impacting both population income and labor migration. What else does increased agricultural production bring? For example, it can bring more efficient allocation of resources. It is essential to understand various methods to improve outcomes.
Soil health is at the heart of high yields. Farmers need to pay a lot of attention to this factor to maintain fertility and prevent diseases and erosion. Crop rotation is a sustainable and practical method, when we are talking about increasing yields. By rotating crops on a specific field plot, growers can avoid of soil depletion, and get rid of particular types of pests.
Through crop rotation, farmers create a nutrient-rich soil bed for growing different crops. This practice helps to breathe new life into the soil and prevent depletion. Growing a monoculture means absorbing the same nutrients, which will sooner or later run out. Balance is essential everywhere, and in agriculture, it is impossible to succeed without compensation, especially in the long term.
A field’s productivity depends on the seed’s quality to a large extent. It is no secret that certified seed that has been tested contributes to higher yields. The result compensates for the higher cost of such seeds. In fact, this is one method to increase yields sustainably. Farmers can check the quality and contact the producer to conduct specific tests.
Fertilizers also play a crucial role in increasing crop yields. However, excessive use of them harms soil quality, reducing agricultural productivity. Use fertilizers judiciously and selectively based on each area’s specific needs for higher yields per acre.
Crop monitoring software can help farmers to detect the areas that need to be fertilized. Farm precision technology, including crop yield remote sensing is environmentally friendly and helps to decrease the negative impact of agri-production on the nature. For example, an accurate weather forecast makes it possible to plan different field activities in such a way that they are most effective. As for fertilizers, weather data can help to know the most suitable day for their application so that the soil is not burnt and the substances do not leak into water bodies due to precipitation.
Forecasting Crop Yield by EOSDA
The quantity and quality of crops produced worldwide significantly affect food security. It is crucial in developing countries where agriculture is integral to the economy.
Estimating the potential amount of yield in a particular area is called crop yield prediction. This process involves analyzing a range of factors, including weather conditions, soil characteristics, crop genetics, and management practices, to predict the expected harvest accurately. The more different types of accurate data about the state of agricultural land there are, the higher the accuracy of forecasting. Plants require adequate sunlight and water for optimal growth, but temperature, humidity, soil type, and other factors also impact crop yield.
Remote sensing data is a valuable resource that can help to predict crop yield by estimating the amount of light plants receive. It is a powerful tool that provides information on crops’ growth and surroundings, enabling to obtain an estimate of crop production. Crop yield estimation using remote sensing in combination with other technological advances can give the most accurate picture.
EOS Data Analytics has deep knowledge and expertise in providing satellite imagery analytics for agriculture and other industries. The company has developed a practical tool for precision agriculture EOSDA Crop Monitoring. This all-in-one online platform gives users access to different types of valuable data to help them make timely, effective decisions and respond to changes on time.
EOSDA’s data scientists and engineers use remote sensing and machine learning models to estimate crop yield. Satellite data enables covering areas ranging from particular farms to entire regions.Two types of yield prediction models – biophysical and statistical – are combined in a “hybrid” approach to maximize crop yield forecasting efficiency and accuracy.
The accuracy of EOSDA yield forecasts for up to 3 months ahead is up to 95%, depending on the quality of statistical data. The forecast is based on data from more than ten different sources. The yield forecast is available for 100+ crop types.
