Knock Farm
Demonstrating the power of geospatial technologies for an effective and efficient farm management.
Demonstrating the power of geospatial technologies for an effective and efficient farm management.
Using geospatial technology, a map of the farm is provided as a visual representation of the farm's layout, detailing the locations of crops, structures, and essential features. This spatial overview is pivotal for efficient farm management as it allows farmers to strategize planting, irrigation, and harvesting, optimizing resource use and minimizing waste.
Land Use/Land Cover Map of the farm area
Sentinel 2 imagery was used to develop a Land Use Land Cover (LULC) map of Knock Farm using Erdas Imagine. As can be seen on the map, seven (7) distinct classes or land types were determined with the tool. These classes were as a result of how light reflected from the surface when the image was taken based on each spectral profile or property.
It can be seen that the dominant land type includes crop land, grass, and low vegetation. The map is very helpful for effective decision making and in making predictions as well that help to manage expectation.
NDVI map of Knock Farm
The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) can be considered as a health report for plants, and a key tool in assessing vegetation health and land productivity. This is a very significant piece of information for farmers as it guides crop management decisions, indicating areas of stress or optimal growth.
As can be seen, the farm is relatively healthy as the map is predominantly green, a color that represents the healthier plants or vegetation. Red on the map represents areas with poor vegetation. However, these areas with red are mainly buildings, bare soil and roads connectivity with no vegetation thereby resulting to the red color shown. Between red and green shown on the map are those areas with low vegetation.
Conceptual design of the GIS database
In modern farming, a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) database is considered the digital nerve center, akin to a smart management dashboard. It integrates layers of information about the farm.
shows the conceptual design of a GIS database for Knock Farm. It contains nine (9) tables holding information on the farm, equipment, buildings, staff, clients, among others. All of the tables are connected with primary and foreign keys for ease of retrieving information.
With such a database, farmers can make data-driven decisions that optimize resource allocation that enhance productivity. The database will serve as a strategic compass, empowering the farmers with insights to navigate the intricacies of their fields.
Geospatial technology plays a crucial role in modern farming by providing farmers with valuable insights to optimize crop management, resource utilization, and overall farm efficiency. By using tools like GPS, satellite imagery, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), farmers can make informed decisions based on the specific conditions of their fields.
Geospatial technology is a very important tool in modern farming. For instance, GPS can help farmers to precisely navigate their tractors and machinery, ensuring accurate planting, harvesting, and irrigation. This precision reduces resource wastage and enhances crop yield. Additionally, satellite imagery can also enable farmers to monitor the health of their crops, identifying potential issues like pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies early on.
Geospatial technology helps to save resources and increases productivity. With precise data on soil composition, moisture levels, and weather patterns, farmers can tailor their actions, such as irrigation and fertilization, to the specific needs of each area of their fields. This not only boosts crop yields but also promotes sustainable farming practices by minimizing environmental impact.