Hieu Nguyen, a professor of mathematics, is using smart drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to help farmers in South Jersey monitor their blueberry and cranberry fields for diseases and invasive weeds. The AI-powered drones capture photos of the fields, which are then stitched together to create a mosaic that farmers can use to detect issues such as the blueberry scorch virus and Carolina redroot weeds. Early detection and prevention can improve crop yields and reduce costs. Additionally, AI models can count berries to estimate crop yield, allowing farmers to plan labor and negotiate prices. Nguyen’s project is funded by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and aims to benefit farmers while providing students with hands-on experience. The use of AI in agriculture is under-investigated, but Nguyen believes it has the potential to make a significant impact on the industry.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Track Crop Health
