CROP HEALTH MONITORING USING GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR NASHIK DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA

Abstract

Agriculture or farming is practiced for producing food grains, feed, fibers, and many more necessary products by cultivating various types of crops. Therefore, the agriculture sector majorly contributes to the economy of both developed and underdeveloped countries. Remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information System) technologies have been effectively used for monitoring several annual Indian crops like rice, wheat, maize, etc. Hence, evolving an approach for monitoring many crop cultivations using these advanced technologies has turned out to be a necessity. Geospatial data which is acquired by unmanned aerial vehicles such as satellites or drones can be used to detect and identify the health of crops. Remotely sensed imageries are used as mapping tools to categorize crops, examine their health, mapping of soil characteristics, and monitoring farming practices. Areas which are highly or moderately affected by insects and pests can be easily identified by the geospatial technology to apply the precise fertilizer or pesticide to an affected area of crop cultivation. It helps to improve the productivity of the land as well as lessens environmental influences. Remotely sensed images can be taken not only to identify diseases and infestations but also to monitor healthy crop fields. the main objective of this project is to monitor and identify the health condition of crops, as well as, to analyse the changes in its health using geospatial data and techniques. These advanced technologies are implemented to fulfil the objectives of this project. Crop health identification and determination are done by using many vegetation indices such as NDVI, GNDVI, CVI, and DVI. Also, differences in the health condition of crops are determined. The health condition of the soil, temperature of the soil, and water balance has also taken into consideration.