UAV-based soil carbon estimation for marginal agricultural lands

Overview

This solution uses unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms to collect multiple sensor datasets that are combined into a single index capable of estimating soil carbon on marginal agricultural lands. By integrating multispectral imagery, long-wave infrared thermal imagery, traditional three-band RGB imagery, and high-resolution multiple-return LiDAR elevation and intensity data, the approach provides a scalable alternative to traditional soil sampling. The research team has a proven track record of applying UAV-based spatial data to assess plant vigor and terrain conditions, and plant vigor is closely tied to underlying soil quality. The resulting index is designed to help land managers, agricultural producers, and environmental programs quantify the impact of soil amendments such as biochar, fertilizer, and biomass treatments on soil carbon levels.

Technical specifications

Core approach:

• Combines multispectral, long-wave infrared thermal, RGB, and high-resolution LiDAR data collected from UAV platforms
• Develops a composite spatial index correlated with soil carbon metrics
• Validates the index against ground-truth soil carbon data collected at the local scale
• Assesses interactions between site type, biochar amendment, and biomass type

Key capabilities:

• Multispectral and hyperspectral sensing for vegetation and soil condition analysis
• Thermal infrared sensing to capture surface temperature patterns related to soil moisture and organic content
• Multiple-return LiDAR for terrain elevation and intensity mapping
• Established UAV flight operations and data processing workflows

Potential applications:

• Quantifying soil carbon on marginal agricultural lands
• Evaluating the effectiveness of biochar and other soil amendments
• Environmental assessment of pipeline corridors and disturbed lands
• Monitoring vegetation vigor as an indicator of soil health

Technology readiness level

The underlying UAV data collection and sensor integration capabilities are mature, with prior deployments for power transmission and petroleum development partners and recent funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for pipeline environmental assessment. The soil carbon estimation index itself is at an early validation stage. Future work will leverage existing research plots through the MASBio Consortium, where biochar, fertilizer, and biomass treatments are already in place, allowing the team to combine UAV-collected spatial data with ground-truth soil carbon measurements to refine and validate the index.