Estimation of Wheat Ear Moisture Content Using Geographic Information System

Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop a method that can generate a wheat maturation map, when it is not possible to take a satellite image of the appropriate time. The research used information from geographic information system (GIS) database, such as sowing time, altitude, soil type distribution and organic matter content to estimate wheat maturation.
The model satisfactorily estimated wheat ear moisture content from altitude and organic matter with determination coefficients of 0.58 and 0.72 in two consecutive years.
Furthermore, a wheat ear moisture map was generated and harvesting time was estimated with an error or ±1 day; thus reducing drying cost while maintaining the quality of yield.