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Dynamic Monitoring and Precision Fertilization Decision System for Agricultural Soil Nutrients Using UAV Remote Sensing and GIS

Author

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  • Xiaolong Chen

    (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, China)

  • Hongfeng Zhang

    (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, China)

  • Cora Un In Wong

    (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, China)

Abstract

We propose a dynamic monitoring and precision fertilization decision system for agricultural soil nutrients, integrating UAV remote sensing and GIS technologies to address the limitations of traditional soil nutrient assessment methods. The proposed method combines multi-source data fusion, including hyperspectral and multispectral UAV imagery with ground sensor data, to achieve high-resolution spatial and spectral analysis of soil nutrients. Real-time data processing algorithms enable rapid updates of soil nutrient status, while a time-series dynamic model captures seasonal variations and crop growth stage influences, improving prediction accuracy (RMSE reductions of 43–70% for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to conventional laboratory-based methods and satellite NDVI approaches). The experimental validation compared the proposed system against two conventional approaches: (1) laboratory soil testing with standardized fertilization recommendations and (2) satellite NDVI-based fertilization. Field trials across three distinct agroecological zones demonstrated that the proposed system reduced fertilizer inputs by 18–27% while increasing crop yields by 4–11%, outperforming both conventional methods. Furthermore, an intelligent fertilization decision model generates tailored fertilization plans by analyzing real-time soil conditions, crop demands, and climate factors, with continuous learning enhancing its precision over time. The system also incorporates GIS-based visualization tools, providing intuitive spatial representations of nutrient distributions and interactive functionalities for detailed insights. Our approach significantly advances precision agriculture by automating the entire workflow from data collection to decision-making, reducing resource waste and optimizing crop yields. The integration of UAV remote sensing, dynamic modeling, and machine learning distinguishes this work from conventional static systems, offering a scalable and adaptive framework for sustainable farming practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaolong Chen & Hongfeng Zhang & Cora Un In Wong, 2025. "Dynamic Monitoring and Precision Fertilization Decision System for Agricultural Soil Nutrients Using UAV Remote Sensing and GIS," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-27, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:15:p:1627-:d:1710955
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xiaolong Chen & Fang Chen & Fangyuan Cui & Wachio Lei, 2023. "Spatial Heterogeneity of Sustainable Land Use in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area in the Context of the Carbon Cycle: GIS-Based Big Data Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-15, January.
    2. Blanche Segrestin & Chloé Salembier & Benoît Weil & Marie-Hélène Jeuffroy & Stéphane Cadoux & Claire Cros & Elise Favrelière & Laurence Fontaine & Marine Gimaret & Camille Noilhan & Audrey Petit & Mar, 2021. "A theoretical framework for tracking farmers’ innovations to support farming system design," Post-Print hal-03392992, HAL.
    3. Nahina Islam & Md Mamunur Rashid & Faezeh Pasandideh & Biplob Ray & Steven Moore & Rajan Kadel, 2021. "A Review of Applications and Communication Technologies for Internet of Things (IoT) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Based Sustainable Smart Farming," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-20, February.
    4. Faris A. Almalki & Ben Othman Soufiene & Saeed H. Alsamhi & Hedi Sakli, 2021. "A Low-Cost Platform for Environmental Smart Farming Monitoring System Based on IoT and UAVs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-26, May.
    5. José Escorcia-Gutierrez & Margarita Gamarra & Roosvel Soto-Diaz & Meglys Pérez & Natasha Madera & Romany F. Mansour, 2022. "Intelligent Agricultural Modelling of Soil Nutrients and pH Classification Using Ensemble Deep Learning Techniques," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-16, July.
    6. Theodora Angelopoulou & Athanasios Balafoutis & George Zalidis & Dionysis Bochtis, 2020. "From Laboratory to Proximal Sensing Spectroscopy for Soil Organic Carbon Estimation—A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-24, January.
    7. Mwehe Mathenge & Ben G. J. S. Sonneveld & Jacqueline E. W. Broerse, 2022. "Application of GIS in Agriculture in Promoting Evidence-Informed Decision Making for Improving Agriculture Sustainability: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-15, August.
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