Infrared imaging is specialized technology that enables you to see differences in heat signatures in smaller or larger areas. It has applications in everything from home inspections and the military to industrial facility management, animal science, healthcare and more. You may not immediately see the benefit of using infrared imaging in agriculture, but the reality is that it offers exceptional benefits to professionals working in this industry as well.
Hydration
The amount of moisture in the soil impacts the heat signature that is created. Farmers can benefit substantially by learning about which areas of their fields are overwatered versus underwatered. This important fact impacts overall yield, and it guides farmers toward taking beneficial steps to conserve time and resources while properly caring for crops.
Animal Control
Animals, such as feral hogs and others, can wreak havoc on a field of crops. Finding these animals in a large field is difficult to do without special technology. With thermal cameras that use infrared imaging, the heat signatures of all damaging animals in the vicinity can be located so that they can be removed as needed. This imaging can be used via a drone flying overhead, with special glasses or with other types of devices.
Pest Control
Large animals will give off a substantial heat signature, but sensitive infrared imaging technology can also be used to detect smaller organisms. Pests can spread quickly across a field. In the process, they can damage crops and reduce the farmer’s yield. Infrared imaging enables farmers to see a small pest control issue before it grows out of hand. In addition, it may be used to ensure that a problem has been completely dealt with so that it does not flare up again.
Overall Health
Other factors that indicate overall crop health can be detected as well. For example, the fertilization needs or over-fertilization of crops can be identified through infrared imaging. Health and vitality of each individual plant can also be detected.
Successful farmers must actively monitor their fields and act as needed as soon as possible to ensure the largest yield. Thanks to infrared and thermal imaging technology that are now available, farmers can easily get the full information that they need about their property so that they can improve yield dramatically. In some cases, this technology can be used to avoid an event that may otherwise wipe out the entire crop for the season.
Addy Reeds is a freelance writer from Eugene, Oregon. She discovered her passion for journalism while attending the University of Oregon. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @addyreeds1; https://www.facebook.com/addy.reeds