Equipment in use at the Centre for Precision Agriculture
To achieve the goal of contributing to resource-efficient and sustainable agriculture through technology and precision farming, we have a wide range of sensors, sensor platforms, and related facilities at our base at NIBIO Apelsvoll.
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At the Center for Precision Agriculture, we use various sensor systems for both remote sensing and "proximal sensing." We work with spectrometers and hyperspectral cameras to measure reflectance and, to some extent, fluorescence from plants to gather information about different plant characteristics. Additionally, we use thermal cameras to detect plant stress and sensors to map soil variation and record weather data.
These sensors can be mounted on a variety of platforms. The most suitable platform depends on the purpose of the measurement. For detailed measurements at the leaf level, ground-based platforms are the most appropriate, whereas UAVs, satellites, or a combination of these can be used to cover larger areas with slightly lower resolution.
NIBIO Apelsvoll has a long tradition of research in both open-field and greenhouse production. The site manages approximately 800 hectares of agricultural land with irrigation capabilities for the entire area and conducts a large number of field trials and other experiments on various crops each year. High-quality agronomy and research are ensured by a skilled and experienced team of researchers, engineers, and research technicians. Greenhouse and tunnel facilities enable cultivation under controlled and semi-controlled conditions, which significantly extends the growing season and enhances research opportunities.
Among our facilities, we have a precision workshop where we work with sensors and sensor platforms, as well as a spectral lab where we calibrate our sensors.
