Soil carbon estimation using uav-based multispectral and lidar technology
UAV-based technology combining multispectral, thermal, and LiDAR data to quantify soil carbon on agricultural lands, including reclaimed mined lands in Appalachia. Enables valuation of conservation practices and soil amendments such as biochar.
Overview
This solution uses Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology to estimate soil carbon levels across agricultural lands, including marginal lands and reclaimed surface mines repurposed for farming in Appalachia. By combining multispectral imagery, long-wave infrared thermal imagery, traditional RGB imagery, and high-resolution multiple-return LiDAR elevation and intensity data, the technology produces a soil carbon index that quantifies the conservation value of land. The approach enables landowners, agronomists, and conservation programs to assess soil carbon without invasive sampling, supporting decisions related to land management, carbon sequestration programs, and the evaluation of soil amendments such as biochar.
Technical specifications
Data inputs collected via UAV:
- Multispectral imagery for vegetation and soil spectral analysis
- Long-wave infrared thermal imagery to capture surface temperature variations related to soil conditions
- Traditional three-band RGB imagery for visual baseline reference
- High-resolution multiple-return LiDAR for elevation and intensity data
Key features:
- Development of a composite soil carbon index derived from spatial data correlations between spectral indices, vegetative structure, biomass, and soil characteristics
- Application to native Appalachian soils and reclaimed mined lands used for agriculture
- Compatibility with existing biochar, fertilizer, and biomass treatment plots for comparative analysis
- Scalable from local plot-level validation to broader land assessments
Technology readiness level
The technology builds on prior research by the team combining multispectral imagery and LiDAR for plant vigor assessment on agricultural lands and natural gas pipeline corridors. The team has existing funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for UAV-based environmental monitoring and is affiliated with the MASBio Consortium for biochar and soil-carbon research. Future validation will compare UAV-derived soil carbon estimates against in-situ soil samples across native soils and existing treatment plots, with subsequent testing on un-tested soils to characterize accuracy and limitations.
About West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university headquartered in Morgantown and serving the state through academics, research, and outreach. For industry, a statewide Extension network provides on‑the‑ground access to communities, facilities, and field sites, while an integrated academic medical center and health system enable clinical research and translational partnerships. The university connects corporate R&D with talent through co‑op and internship pipelines and applied engagements. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, and USDA. WVU’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization manages IP, licensing, and startup pathways to provide a clear entry point for collaboration.
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