DURHAM, N.H. — As New England dairy farmers wrap up their field operations and plan for the next growing season, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) is exploring innovative solutions to boost productivity and sustainability. A new study highlights the potential of drones in identifying crop diseases earlier, specifically in corn varieties vulnerable to late-season infections, such as Brown MidRib (BMR) corn.
BMR corn, favored by dairy farmers for its high digestibility and milk production benefits, is susceptible to diseases like Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB). These diseases often remain unnoticed until significant yield losses occur. UNH researchers, in collaboration with the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station, UNH Farm Services, and UNH Cooperative Extension, are testing drones equipped with multispectral cameras to detect early signs of these diseases.
“Drones provide a completely new way to look at a cornfield,” said Tom Beaudry, a commercial crop advisor involved in the study. “Seeing fields from the air allows us to spot problems much earlier—sometimes before they’re even visible on the plant.”
The study utilizes the DJI M300 RTK drone with multispectral imaging to monitor test plots containing both BMR and non-BMR corn varieties. Researchers are working to determine whether fewer, less expensive camera bands can still effectively detect disease symptoms, potentially reducing the cost of UAV systems to under $5,000.
For Peter Davis, UNH’s manager of Farm Services, the project offers a chance to innovate. Inspired by the application of drones in forestry, Davis collaborated with Beaudry to adapt the technology for agricultural use. “We’re trying to shed light on how we can advance our farm operations,” Davis explained.
Initial findings reveal that multispectral cameras can differentiate between corn varieties with over 98% accuracy. Such precision could enable farmers to detect issues earlier, optimizing management practices like targeted treatments, adjusted harvest schedules, and resource-efficient applications.
“Scouting crops has always been important, but having a perspective from a few hundred feet up allows you to see patterns you might otherwise miss,” said Carl Majewski, a UNH Extension field specialist.
In year two of this study, the team will focus on refining their methods and look to expand the study to other farms. To learn more about this innovative research, read the full article at UNH Today.
–University of New Hampshire
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