Abstract
This research paper focuses on providing an algorithm by which (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) UAVs can be used to provide optimal routes for agricultural applications such as, fertilizers and pesticide spray, in crop fields. To utilize a minimum amount of inputs and complete the task without a revisit, one needs to employ optimized routes and optimal points of delivering the inputs required in precision agriculture (PA). First, stressed regions are identified using VegNet (Vegetative Network) software. Then, methods are applied for obtaining optimal routes and points for the spraying of inputs with an autonomous UAV for PA. This paper reports a unique and innovative technique to calculate the optimum location of spray points required for a particular stressed region. In this technique, the stressed regions are divided into many circular divisions with its center being a spray point of the stressed region. These circular divisions would ensure a more effective dispersion of the spray. Then an optimal path is found out which connects all the stressed regions and their spray points. The paper also describes the use of methods and algorithms including travelling salesman problem (TSP)-based route planning and a Voronoi diagram which allows applying precision agriculture techniques.
Highlights
One of the main objectives of the United Nations is to have sustainable agriculture which can enhance agricultural productivity to meet the food supply-demand of the increasing population without overexploiting and wasting natural resources [1]
This section discusses the outcomes derived from the paper, i.e., finding the optimal points for spraying stressed regions and the optimal path to follow while covering all possible points in the field without re-visiting single points
The results demonstrated the advantages of using travelling salesman problem (TSP) algorithms for UAVs within agricultural plots to reduce associated costs with labor and fertilizer spraying
Summary
One of the main objectives of the United Nations is to have sustainable agriculture which can enhance agricultural productivity to meet the food supply-demand of the increasing population without overexploiting and wasting natural resources [1]. Significant pressure is expected on agricultural systems to meet the continuously increasing needs of the population, escalating human pressures on the environment [3,4,5,6]. With the limited land area available, agriculture will have more pressure for increased crop yield to enhance productivity as well as maintain the food quality to cope up with the increasing population’s demands. Several parameters, such as soil moisture, nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium [9], water holding capacity, pH and other variables affect crop productivity and require continuous monitoring to prevent crop stress
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
