Satellite imagery model for variable-rate fertilization
This technology uses aerial imagery—captured by drones or satellites—to measure how densely wheat plants are growing in a field, then automatically calculates how much fertilizer each zone of that field should receive. It works by correlating two well-known vegetation indices (NDVI and NDRE, which measure plant health and chlorophyll from color data) with tiller density, a key agronomic indicator of crop vigor in winter wheat. A software model then maps those density readings to established fertilizer recommendations, enabling variable-rate fertilizer prescriptions without requiring manual plant counts. The result is a data-driven approach to precision nitrogen management that can reduce input costs and improve yields.
What you could build
A precision agriculture software module—sold as a standalone tool or integrated into existing farm management platforms—that ingests drone or satellite imagery and outputs variable-rate fertilizer application maps for winter wheat growers and agronomists. Primary buyers would be ag-tech SaaS companies, crop consultants, and large-acreage grain operations.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and Northern Piedmont are significant winter wheat production areas; Virginia Cooperative Extension and regional ag-tech firms serving mid-Atlantic grain farmers would be natural early adopters or licensing partners.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Joseph Oakes, Dr. Maria Balota, Wade Thomason, Alexandre-Brice Cazenave
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed November 21, 2024
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20250165681A1
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology. Email us for an introduction prosim@harbor.capital.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.