A MODEL which would estimate soil moisture at different depths across the Wheatbelt is under development by Atbin Mahabbati, a PhD student at The University of Western Australia (UWA).
The model, designed by Atbin Mahabbati, works by using two types of satellite images as well as ancillary data if needed. The aim is to develop the model in such a way that it needs minimum input features. The model is able to provide a daily 3D map of soil moisture at the resolution of 100100 squared metres and this will help farmers in almost any case where they need a good estimation of soil moisture.
Farmers could find the best time for planting, whether the soil moisture is enough, and the most suitable time for applying fertilisers and these timings have a huge impact on optimising costs and knowing the timings can have a big effect on maximising production and benefits of farms.
Mr Mahabbati said the model he was working on was going to be a tool for WA farmers to improve their efficiency, which would hopefully be a big step towards precision agriculture. Mr Mahabbati hopes that by receiving support from the State government, or other industry organisations, WA farmers will have access to the model
For further information visit: https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7125135/modelling-to-estimate-moisture-in-soil/