NDSU has emerged as a leader in precision agriculture research, emphasizing real-time decision-making, site-specific management and the integration of remote sensing and machine learning.
Precision agriculture is a farm management concept that uses technology and data analysis to optimize crop and livestock production by applying resources such as water, fertilizer and pesticides precisely where and when needed.
NDSU research assistant professor Ahmed Rabia earned his doctorate in remote sensing and geographical information systems. That background perfectly fits his research work in precision agriculture at NDSU.
“My background is in agricultural engineering and soil science, which led me to explore technologies that optimize farming practices,” Rabia said. “My interest in precision agriculture grew when I realized the potential of integrating GIS, remote sensing and data analytics to improve decision-making in farming.
“During my doctorate and subsequent research, I focused on using aerial imagery and deep learning to assess crop traits and optimize resource allocation. Seeing how technology can transform traditional farming methods motivated me to pursue precision agriculture as my primary research focus,” Rabia added. “Since joining NDSU, I’ve been expanding this work, collaborating across disciplines to improve decision-making tools for producers while addressing sustainability concerns.”
Rabia earned his doctorate at the University of Naples. His work with remote sensing, GIS and unmanned aircraft systems technology is all part of the research being done as part of the Food, Energy and Water Security initiative at NDSU, which is supported by funding from the USDA-ARS. The FEWS initiative addresses many key issues facing food, energy and water resources today, strongly emphasizing technology. Autonomous systems, sensors, high throughput data systems, agriculture data security, precision agriculture and predictive crop performance are among the areas led by NDSU in that research.
“As a soil scientist like Dr. Rabia, one of my first research projects involved determining nutrient management zones for nitrogen. At the time, it was a complex process that involved multiple platforms. With the advent of AI and remarkable advances in hardware technologies that Dr. Rabia is researching, we have the capabilities of delivering precise, prescription-based management,” said Frank Casey, NDSU associate dean for research and soil scientist. “I am truly excited about the work underway at NDSU through the FEWS initiative, which will continue to transform agriculture by combining cutting-edge science with practical solutions for growers.”
GIS is a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced information and uses data attached to a specific, unique location. It helps growers to assess soil and crop conditions in a precise manner.
“GIS has been instrumental in analyzing spatial variability in soil properties, crop health and yield patterns,” Rabia said. “By layering different data sources, such as soil maps, weather patterns and crop imagery, we can create high-resolution field management maps that guide variable rate applications of inputs like fertilizers and irrigation. Remote sensors, including UAV-mounted multispectral and RGB cameras, are crucial in real-time monitoring. They provide detailed insights into plant health, soil moisture and nutrient deficiencies, allowing for data-driven decision-making at the farm level.”
The research includes dynamic precision agriculture management, which adapts management zones in near real-time based on evolving crop needs to improve productivity while minimizing input waste.
“This dynamic approach can improve resource use efficiency, especially under variable weather and soil conditions,” Rabia said.
UAS-based weed detection is being developed for crops such as wheat, corn, chickpeas and soybeans using RGB and multispectral imagery. Laser-based weed control – a non-chemical approach to managing resistant weed populations – is being examined in controlled environments to help damage or destroy weed tissues without disturbing the soil or surrounding crops.
“These studies help refine precision agriculture techniques, making them more accessible and beneficial for growers,” Rabia said.
"Under Dr. Rabia’s mentorship, my research focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, edge computing and robotics to support more sustainable and intelligent agricultural systems,” said Mohamed Salem, a doctoral student in Rabia’s lab. “We’re developing real-time weed targeting using laser-equipped ground robots, leveraging deep learning, plant localization and control without herbicides. We aim to give farmers, especially in organic and resource-constrained environments, cost-effective, scalable and environmentally sound tools. Our direction combines high-resolution sensing, smart decision-making on the edge and autonomous field operations, ultimately creating practical technologies to transform modern crop management."
Rabia said that UAS and precision agriculture technologies have substantially improved efficiency and sustainability in modern farming. Practical applications for growers and researchers include early disease detection, which allows for targeted treatment of diseases before they spread; optimized input use to ensure fertilizers and pesticides are applied precisely when needed; yield prediction and monitoring, field drainage and soil mapping to optimize land management, and automation and robotics, which is clearing the way for autonomous machinery.
This research perfectly fits the NDSU FEWS initiative: enhancing food security by optimizing crop yields, improving water management and efficiency, reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable land use.
“We can create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system by integrating data-driven approaches,” Rabia said.
Precision agriculture will continue growing with more discoveries and rapidly developing technology.
“The future of precision agriculture is driven by advancements in AI, automation and real-time data analytics,” Rabia said. “As these innovations evolve, precision agriculture will improve productivity and ensure sustainability and resilience in global food systems.”
The NDSU Food, Energy and Water Security initiative projects receive funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service.
Source : ndsu.edu