Characterizing Canopy Structure Through Proximal Sensing.

This presentation covers the develop of a sensor and signal processing algorithm to measure the spatial variability of plant growth stages in real-time from a ground-based applicator where variable rates of crop inputs may be applied.  More specifically, this presentation will cover the use of ultrasonic sensors to characterize plant morphology.  The basic hypothesis is that inter-node length in the top canopy can be approximated by measuring the percent reflected sonic energy by the plant foliage at varying distances.  Therefore, plants with a short node length in the top of the canopy will have the greatest amount of reflected energy from the top of the canopy.  Hence, plants can spatially be characterized based on active vegetative growth patterns in addition to plant height and plant volume. The presentation will cover the use of multiple sound echo waves to quantify plant growth patterns for ultrasonic echo returns.  In addition to ultrasonic imaging, a laser-based imaging system will be discussed.