Course Description
An in-depth examination of sensing mechanisms for precision agricultural practices. Classroom and lab exercises will in general examine sensing technologies, commercial instruments and applications, hands-on testing, and data collection in real-world precision agricultural applications.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to read recent papers in
the application of sensors to agriculture assigned to them by
the instructor and turn in weekly assignments based on the
papers. Assignments will be designed to encourage critical
thinking. To enhance presentation and teaching skills, graduate
students will be required to make a presentation to the class
on a recent paper chosen by the instructor. Graduate students
will also be required to write a term paper on a current topic
in the application of sensors in agriculture. The topic for the
term paper will be chosen by the student in consultation with
the instructor. Students will need to demonstrate the ability
to critically read scientific papers and to integrate
scientific information from multiple sources.
Athena Title
Sensors in Precision Agri
Prerequisite
CRSS 3030 or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Introduction to converting real-world information to digital signals 2. Learn the principles and tools for geo-referencing and geo- location 3. Understand the various techniques for yield monitoring 4. Examine measurements of soil properties 5. Understand the various techniques and sources of remote sensing 6. Learn the current and potential future methods of sensing for biotic and abiotic stress
Topical Outline
Topical Outline: 1. Basic Introduction to Sensing and Transduction Electronics a. Collecting Data b. Errors in Data 2. GPS Data and Interpretation a. Google Maps and GPS Location b. GPS receivers: Accuracy and Uses 3. Yield Monitoring Techniques and Commercial Sensors a. Grains b. Cotton c. Other Crops 4. Soil Sensing Equipment and Analysis 5. Remote Sensing Techniques a. Visual imaging b. Spectral Imaging c. Aerial, Satellite, Handheld 6. Converting Data to Information 7. Sensing with Unmanned Systems in Precision Agriculture 8. Future Sensing Potential
Syllabus