Estimation of rice yield and protein content using remote sensing images acquired by radio controlled unmanned helicopter

A digital Tetracam camera associated data acquisition system mounted on a radio controlled unmanned helicopter platform was used to acquire near-real-time remote sensing images of rice crops. The plot-based high resolution images obtained were then used to estimate rice yield and protein content. The images were taken at booting stage of rice crop variety of Supanburi-1 with the experimental plots prepared in Thailand. Fifteen rice field plots; five N-treatments (0, 33, 66, 99 and 132 kg/ha) having three replications each were arranged in a randomized block design manner in the experiments set estimating the yield and protein content. Plot-based images were obtained successfully by the acquisition sensors by operating the platform at the height of 20 m above ground. The rice yield found highly correlated with the NDVI and Green NDVI (GNDVI) values at booting stage, with the determination coefficient (r ²) of 0.95. The protein content estimated in terms of total nitrogen presented in milled rice showed positive correlation with r² of 0.50. The study indicated the suitability of unmanned helicopter based remote sensing images for precise estimation of rice yield and the scope for predicting the protein content in rice crops which would help making valuable management decisions on crop cultivation.