V. Adamchuk: Integration approach to proximal plant sensing

Viacheslav Adamchuk obtained his mechanical engineering degree from the National Agricultural University of Ukraine. Later, he received both MS and PhD degrees in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Purdue University (USA). Shortly after graduating, Adamchuk began his academic career as a faculty member in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (USA). In 2010, he assumed his current position in the Department of Bioresource Engineering at McGill University (Canada).

Adamchuk’s research focuses on developing and deploying proximal soil and plant sensing technologies to enhance the economic and environmental benefits of precision agriculture. These sensors produce geo-referenced data to quantify spatial heterogeneity, which may be used to prescribe differentiated soil treatments according to local needs. The current focus of his precision agriculture and sensor systems research team is the integration of different sensing technologies, spatial data processing and emerging decision-support systems.

This presentation discusses several topics on proximal plant sensing technologies and their application to quantify the development of agricultural crops throughout the growing season. Our newly developed, integrated sensor platform focuses on on-the-go assessment of plant size as well as canopy reflectance to reveal the physiological status of the crop that may affect yield. Special attention has been given to data quality and data acquisition ergonomics.

At the same time, advanced plant sensing technologies have been implemented to further explore new sensing capabilities to detect potential stresses and the effects of hybrid traits at different vegetation stages. The discussion will focus on matching sensor technologies to the needs of crop producers, breeders and other potential users.