AgroRadar
Tool for the detection of soil, water, and plant anomalies by means of remote sensors
Description
AgroRadar by AgroInsider is an app that integrates, aggregates and analyses Copernicus Earth Observation radar (SAR) data and sampling data from the field that it then uses to develop value-added information that can help farmers and other users improve their yields, and monitor the condition of their land plots, forests and water bodies, etc. AgroRadar can detect anomalies in the soil, water and plants on agriculture plots, and then produce and develop smart sampling strategies and yield forecasts, calculate the spatial structure of any observed region, calculate different spectral bio-diversity indices, detect changes in land occupations and record events in the field, among other tasks. Subscribers can access the results of AgroRadar’s monitoring and inspections of the spatial and temporal dynamics of farmers' lands, as well as the constantly produced analytics. The app makes predictions and alerts farmers of any anomalies in soil, water or plants.
Technology
AgroRadar makes use of data received from the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and an active data collection device that includes a sensor that produces its own energy and then records the amount of that energy reflected after interacting with the Earth. SAR imagery is unaffected by cloud cover or fog, allowing AgroInsider to obtain precise and detailed information. The minimum study area of the solution depends on the spatial resolution of the satellite images that are fed to the AgroRadar app (approx. R = 10 m). The first step for users is to identify the parcels to be analysed, after which, soil maps are produced by Agroinsider’s algorithms. The company then sends the relevant coordinates to the user to collect soil samples, which are sent to the laboratory and processed, after which nutrient maps of the observed plots are created. Finally, the maps and management suggestions are forwarded to the customer. Users can access both the results of analyses and advice from a web browser or mobile app. Agroinsider can also carry out spatial and temporal spectral biodiversity analyses, develop biomass and yield forecasts, and produce carbon inventories.
Target
According to the company, AgroRadar can work with data at different spatial and temporal scales, making it suitable for farms of all sizes. Other users of AgroRadar include insurance companies and banks (asset owners), and governmental agencies responsible for forests, large water body management and subsidy verifications. The mobile and web-based applications are available in English, Portuguese and Spanish, and require certain computer literacy skills. According to the company's blog, AgroInsider provides training to customers upon request.
Business model
AgroInsider has received financial support from the European Commission through a Horizon 2020 project. The cost of analysis and monitoring depends on the size and type of the land plot, and the purpose of the analysis, and can be requested from the website.
Impact
AgroRadar can support decision-making and provide tailor-made reports for farmers and stakeholders. It supports the application of smart soil nutrition practices for all types of crops, thus helping to reduce operational risks, to optimize the use of inputs and soil-plant-water processes, to reduce waste and pollution, and to maximize outputs. Additionally, AgroRadar can provide farmers and other users with real-time alerts on associated land, water and forest risks.
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
