Summary
This systematic review examines the application of airborne hyperspectral imaging technology for monitoring nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium availability in soil and crops across African agricultural systems. Drawing on literature from 2008–2021, the authors synthesise knowledge on imaging platforms, spectral processing methods, and nutrient-sensitive spectral regions, identifying both progress and knowledge gaps in adoption of remote sensing for macronutrient management at field scale.
UK applicability
Whilst this review focuses on African agricultural contexts and challenges, the methodological framework for hyperspectral assessment of NPK status could inform precision nutrient management in UK farming, particularly for arable systems seeking to optimise fertiliser application and reduce environmental impact.
Key measures
Hyperspectral imaging technology platforms and sensors; spectral bands and features sensitive to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; processing methods for spectral data analysis; NPK content quantification in soil and crops
Outcomes reported
The review identified hyperspectral imaging platforms, sensors, and spectral processing methods most sensitive to NPK content assessment in both soil and crops across African agricultural systems. The authors proposed a research protocol for quantifying NPK variability at field scale to optimise fertiliser application.
Topic tags
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