Cotton yields increase with new technology

23 Jul '11

4 min read

Compared to the nematode counts, the data collected through hyperspectral imaging was 75 to 100 percent accurate. The data was used to generate a field map showing areas of low, medium and high nematode populations. From that, a prescription map for applying different amounts of nematicide was created. The next research question was practical: would site-specific applications of the product be helpful?

“What we discovered was that the variable rate application had three significant results,” Lawrence said. “For the producers, the yields were higher, which increases profits. Plus they saved money by applying only the amount of chemical required rather than blanketing their field with the amount needed to treat the highest population of nematodes found in their soil samples. The third benefit is to the environment, because site-specific applications reduce the amount of chemical used.”

This research benefits not only Mississippi, but the entire Southeast, as producers in Alabama and Georgia routinely use the site-specific application method for treating their fields.

“Out of all of the original research projects funded for the purpose of creating commercial uses for hyperspectral imaging technology, our project was the only one to receive a patent,” Lawrence said. “We hope that in the future, we'll be able to use the sensors on satellites to get orbital views of the fields, which will allow even faster results using more data points.”

Mississippi State University

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