With the autonomous field robot DeBiFiX (Determination of Biomass on the Field with X-ray), it is possible to conduct detailed biomass measurements of growing plants in the field. Using X-ray technology, not only the leaves but also optically inaccessible fruits such as chickpea pods, rapeseed pods, or wheat ears are fully captured and digitally analyzed. Thanks to the non-destructive process, this can be repeated, providing a dynamic picture of yield development throughout the growing season. The technology can be expanded with additional cognitive sensor systems such as RGB, hyperspectral, or laser line scanning. Breeding questions such as the early selection of high-yielding and stress-resistant varieties can thus be addressed significantly faster, more precisely, and more efficiently than before. This technology is used, for example, in plots from comparative trials of different genotypes of a grain crop such as chickpea. Image acquisition is performed by a 130 kV X-ray tube and a 90 cm-high line-scan detector, which are mounted ahead of the front axle of the carrier vehicle within the driving lane. For instance, at a speed of about 1.7 km/h and an exposure time of 5 ms, an image can be generated every 2 mm. This level of detail enables precise yield forecasts. A clearance height of 1.5 m also allows the analysis of taller-growing plants such as rapeseed or buckwheat. Biomass is determined based on the attenuation coefficient converted into grayscale values, which is proportional to the density of the object under investigation. The field vehicle is equipped with an autonomous GPS control system from Geo-Konzept, which allows it to autonomously follow tracks according to GIS. The plot plan of the field to be examined can be uploaded to the carrier vehicle and, together with continuously recorded GPS data during the measurement, enables precise traceability of yield to the field position. DeBiFiX’s advantage lies in the ability to objectively quantify and evaluate growth processes of optically inaccessible above-ground plant organs. Because it is a non-destructive method, the entire plot or the entire field can be measured automatically without having to rely on individual samples. Genotypic differences in growth rate and yield development can thus be captured and incorporated into the evaluation of varieties. The selection of high-performing varieties is thus supported by data acquisition at a level not previously possible.
Image source: © Hofacker, Competence Center for Digital Agriculture (KoDA)
Caption: The autonomous field robot DeBiFiX from Fraunhofer IIS enables precise plant biomass measurements using X-ray technology. It non-destructively captures inaccessible fruits and provides continuous yield analyses. The technology can be expanded with additional sensors to optimize the breeding of high-yielding and stress-resistant varieties.
