Effective crop monitoring is crucial for maximizing yields, reducing input costs, and improving sustainability—the core of Precision Agriculture. By using satellite- and drone-based monitoring indices, farmers gain real-time insights into crop health, moisture levels, and nutrient availability.

These indices analyze vegetation reflectance in different light bands, such as Near-Infrared (NIR), Red, and Shortwave Infrared (SWIR), to assess plant vigor, stress levels, and growth patterns.

With these insights, farmers can make data-driven decisions to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and harvest timing, leading to more efficient resource use and higher productivity.

This article outlines best practices for monitoring field crops and pastures throughout their life cycles using scientifically validated vegetation indices in smart farming.

Choosing The Right Vegetation Index: Why It Matters

The effectiveness of a vegetation index depends on two critical factors:

1.   Type Of Vegetation

Different indices work best for field crops, pastures, orchards, or forests due to variations in: