AVA-ASAJA and the University of Valencia are promoting new remote sensing applications to improve the management of citrus and cereal crops.

The Sinyent experimental farm, managed by AVA-ASAJA, continues to solidify its position as a leader in agricultural innovation thanks to its work promoting the use of remote sensing in the agricultural sector . This technology is transforming farm management by complementing traditional field observation with the massive analysis of data obtained through remote sensors, including those installed on satellites belonging to NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) .

Remote sensing allows for the measurement of radiation emitted or reflected by crops to characterize their condition and development. To do this, the agricultural organization is using sensors installed on satellites, drones, robots, and ground-based measuring equipment capable of collecting highly accurate data.

In this context, researchers from the University of Valencia and technicians from AVA-ASAJA are collaborating on various projects to bring these tools to the Valencian countryside. One of the main advances has been developed in citrus farming , where, within the framework of the Agroalnext project, an algorithm has been designed capable of detecting the early presence of pests such as the mealybug using satellite imagery and artificial intelligence models.

Specifically, the researchers highlight that remote sensing in citrus groves presents an added challenge compared to other crops due to their three-dimensional structure. Unlike cereals, where the vegetation forms a homogeneous surface, trees require consideration of factors such as row orientation, the position of the sun, and the satellite's observation angle to develop truly accurate and useful models for farmers.

Space technology

Another project underway in Sinyent focuses on an experimental wheat plot, where different fertilization levels have been tested. To do this, the plots were aligned with pixels from the Planet satellite, allowing researchers to monitor crop development throughout the growing season and evaluate how each fertilization strategy affects plant growth.

This space technology belongs to NASA Harvest , NASA's agriculture program that leverages satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and other data sources to improve crop yield estimates and strengthen global food security. Similarly, the European Space Agency operates some of the world's most advanced scientific and Earth observation satellites.

These trials demonstrate the enormous potential of remote sensing to optimize crop management, improve resource use efficiency, and anticipate health or production problems before they are visible to the naked eye, thus contributing to a more profitable, competitive, and sustainable agriculture.

The president of AVA-ASAJA , Cristóbal Aguado , emphasizes that "innovation is no longer an option, but a necessity to guarantee the future of our farms. Collaboration between farmers and research centers allows us to develop tools that address the real problems of the countryside and facilitate a more efficient, profitable agriculture, better prepared to face extreme weather conditions, resource scarcity, and new pests."