Using drone and remote sensing technology to increase profitability and climate resilience of potato production

Potatoes are among the top five crops worldwide. With the rate of climate change accelerating, the pressures on potato production systems (e.g., heat stress, water stress, pest pressures) will intensify adaptation efforts. Although climate change is already happening, it is often seen as an abstract and distant problem that diverts resources from current production challenges. However, drone and remote sensing technology can reconcile this false dichotomy. They can help growers better respond to crop needs with targeted use of inputs, which improves the bottom line. The same remotely sensed data can also be used to trigger climate change adaptation actions, letting the growers know when to begin proactively adapting to changes in the climate and its impacts. Preparing this research for commercializing can help Canadian potato producers increase profitability and build future climate resilience, giving them a competitive advantage over time.

Faculty Supervisor:

Adam Fenech

Student:

Stephanie Arnold

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Prince Edward Island