A study of radiation interception and related barley yield estimation using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery in Northern Sweden.

The topic is about using free open-access Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to explore the intercepted radiation of barley crop and build a model to estimate the biomass based on that in Northern Sweden.

Description

Barley is the major cereal crop in Northern Sweden and play an important role in the dairy production industry as a part of ruminant diets, and the part of the crop rotation. Estimating barley yield accurately from remote sensing could supply useful information for local farmers and relevant companies from several perspectives, for example nitrogen fertilization.

Radiation use efficiency (RUE) based yield estimation models such as the Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach (CASA), which estimates crop yield, based on the intercepted radiation, can be calculated by using Sentinel 2 satellite imagery, and has good potential for estimating barley yield. We are now seeking a second year master student to work on this topic. The result would provide basic understanding of barley growth for relevant researchers and analysts in Northern Sweden. We will supply all of the needed data (e.g., Satellite data, barley yield data, and climate data).

The main task for the student is to use the supplied data to estimate intercepted barley crop radiation and build a robust model to predict barley yield. The work is carried out within project “Management of barley for improving yield and profitability in Northern Sweden” funded by RJN (Regional Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden).

Requirements

• Master students, preferably in their final study year, within programs related to agroecology, agricultural management, crop production or food science.
• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Interest in/experiences of remote sensing and GIS are preferable.

Place of work: Umeå
Fund: RJN supplies a small budget to cover project-related costs (student travel cost, operating fee, lab analysis fee, etc.)
Starting date: By agreement. Period: Fall semester 2023 or spring semester 2024.