Photo credit: FREEPIK
3D point clouds (big data) generated by the Mobile App iAgro optimize variable-rate fertilizations in vineyards. Acting as a Decision Support System (DSS), the app leverages AI computer vision algorithms, that automatically analyze vineyards digital twin and assess for canopy biometrics and field parameters. This analysis produces vigor and prescription maps for optimized variable rate fertilizations.
The app, designed for Android/iOS systems, allows the technician/winegrower to quickly, objectively and automatically assess the spatial-temporal variability of the vineyard-covered foliage, using the cameras and GPS modules present on common mobile devices, in order to obtain an indication of the optimal volumes of water to be distributed for the rationalized application of pesticides or fertilizers. The farmer acquires, in an automatic and guided way, the images of the side wall of the canopy which will be geo-referenced using the GPS module integrated in the devices. Proprietary in-cloud artificial intelligence algorithms are used which, once the photos have been acquired, allow to automatically determine the biometric parameters of the canopy (thickness, height, volume, LAI) and the generalized parameters of the vineyard (LWA, TRV). By entering manually some characteristic factors of the vineyard in question (e.g.: inter-row, phenological phase, disease to be prevented, etc.), the operators receive the dose of water recommended for the application of fertilizers. Another output of the iAgro app is the optimized dose of fertilizers to be distributed.
The App, available on Apple Store and Google Play, can be installed on the most common mobile phones. Data connection is not required when acquiring images in the field, images can be uploaded
later.
The farmer can scan a part of a row or an isolated plant (in case of non-row crops) with his smartphone. After uploading the captured photos to the cloud, some minutes are needed for processing after which the 3D model (point cloud) of the scanned part of the row or tree is shown on the smartphone. The app provides the following information: canopy thickness, height and volume, LAI, LWA, TRV, optimal water dose for treatments. If the farmer repeats the scans at a sufficient and well-distributed number of points in the field (min. 5 points per field), maps of vigor (LAI) and optimal water dose for treatments or fertilizations are generated.