Medium-resolution multispectral satellite imagery in precision agri-
culture: mapping precision canola (Brassica napus L.) yield using
Sentinel-2 time series
Abstract
Precision yield data is commonly recorded by modern combine harvesters
and can be used to help growers optimize their operations. However,
there have been very few attempts to predict variation in yield within a
given field using multispectral satellite data. We used a precision
yield dataset gathered in canola (Brassica napus L.) crops in central
Alberta, Canada, and a time series of medium-resolution Sentinel-2 data
collected over the growing season. Using two mapping methods, random
forest regression and functional data analysis, we were able to predict
crop yield to within 12-16% accuracy of actual yield, and to capture
within-field variation. Our results demonstrate that time series of
medium-resolution multispectral imagery is capable of mapping
small-scale variation in crop yields, presenting new research and
management applications for these techniques.