Smart plant monitoring – Can you spot thirst from the sky?
This UT FieldLab experiment falls under the theme Food security and biodiversity. View all experiments related to this theme.
Introduction
Can you tell if a plant is thirsty just by looking from above? In this UT FieldLab experiment, we explore how plants respond to different growing conditions – and how we can measure that remotely. The idea is simple but powerful: early detection of plant stress can help save crops, conserve water, and protect biodiversity. Thomas Groen: “By developing new observation methods, researchers and landscape managers can make even better use of the information we receive from satellites and drones.”
What are we researching?
We vary water, light, and nutrients to observe plant responses. Some plots receive extra water, others less. We also compare mixed-species plots with monocultures. This helps us understand how biodiversity and stress factors influence growth. The central question: can we reliably detect these differences using sensors, drones, and satellites?
How does it work?
Cameras and sensors measure colour, height, leaf angle, and temperature. We also collect plant samples to analyse their chemical composition. By linking this data to light reflection, we learn to recognise signs of drought stress. We test sensors at various heights – from close-up to aerial – to determine which techniques are most effective. We have a broad range of experimental sensors capable of detecting different types of light—from visible light, which we perceive with our eyes, to infrared. These sensors are so precise that they can detect subtle nuances in colour variations that are imperceptible to us. By examining whether these variations reveal anything about the condition of a plant, we can explore how such sensors might provide us with new insights. Reference plots and rotating species ensure fair comparisons throughout the year.
Why is this important?
This experiment touches on major themes like climate adaptation, food security, and nature conservation. With this knowledge, farmers and land managers can respond more quickly to drought, use water more efficiently, and monitor biodiversity more effectively. It lays the groundwork for precision agriculture and nature management in a changing climate.