By Brooke Keltner
Illinois is the number one producer of soybeans in the United States, but farmers across the state face a big issue when it comes to maintaining their crops — drought. Periods with little to no rain can hamper growth or, worse yet, kill the plant.
Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are partnering with the University of Missouri (Mizzou) on a $300,000 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Together, the universities are exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and drone-based imaging technologies can help monitor drought stress in soybean crops. The collaboration uses a multidisciplinary approach with expertise in AI, engineering and agriculture for a common goal — supporting farmers.
“Our long-term goal is to make AI-based agricultural technologies more accessible and practical for farmers,” said Chao Lu, the professor leading the research for SIU. “Managing water resources is an important part of soybean production.”
Drying up profits
Across Illinois, 43,000 soybean farmers rely on making a profit from their crops to feed and support their families, according to the Illinois Soybean Association. The impact is much larger when considering soybean farmers throughout the Midwest, who also depend on a successful harvest as part of their income.
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