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Leaf area index estimation in vineyards using a ground-based LiDAR scanner

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Abstract

Estimation of grapevine vigour using mobile proximal sensors can provide an indirect method for determining grape yield and quality. Of the various indexes related to the characteristics of grapevine foliage, the leaf area index (LAI) is probably the most widely used in viticulture. To assess the feasibility of using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors for predicting the LAI, several field trials were performed using a tractor-mounted LiDAR system. This system measured the crop in a transverse direction along the rows of vines and geometric and structural parameters were computed. The parameters evaluated were the height of the vines (H), the cross-sectional area (A), the canopy volume (V) and the tree area index (TAI). This last parameter was formulated as the ratio of the crop estimated area per unit ground area, using a local Poisson distribution to approximate the laser beam transmission probability within vines. In order to compare the calculated indexes with the actual values of LAI, the scanned vines were defoliated to obtain LAI values for different row sections. Linear regression analysis showed a good correlation (R 2 = 0.81) between canopy volume and the measured values of LAI for 1 m long sections. Nevertheless, the best estimation of the LAI was given by the TAI (R 2 = 0.92) for the same length, confirming LiDAR sensors as an interesting option for foliage characterization of grapevines. However, current limitations exist related to the complexity of data process and to the need to accumulate a sufficient number of scans to adequately estimate the LAI.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Education (Agreement No. AGL2002-04260-C04-02, and acronym PULVEXACT, and Agreement No. AGL2007-66093-C04-03, and acronym OPTIDOSA). Likewise, the authors wish to thank the Agricultural Division of Codorníu for providing the vineyard field where trials were conducted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agricultural and Forest Engineering, Research Group on AgroICT and Precision Agriculture, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure, 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain

    Jaume Arnó, Alexandre Escolà, Josep M. Vallès, Ricardo Sanz, Joan Masip & Joan R. Rosell-Polo

  2. Department of Agri Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Politechnical University of Catalunya, Campus del Baix Llobregat, Edifici D4, Esteve Terradas, 8, 08860, Castelldefels, Spain

    Jordi Llorens

  3. Department of Computer Science and Industrial Engineering, University of Lleida, Jaume II, 69, 25197, Lleida, Spain

    Jordi Palacín

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  1. Jaume Arnó
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  8. Joan R. Rosell-Polo
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Correspondence to Jaume Arnó.

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Arnó, J., Escolà, A., Vallès, J.M. et al. Leaf area index estimation in vineyards using a ground-based LiDAR scanner. Precision Agric 14, 290–306 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11119-012-9295-0

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