Crop stand optimization systems, methods and apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for crop stand optimization. In some embodiments a field is planted at a first population prescription determined based on a first data set including forecasted weather. A subsequently determined second population prescription is determined based on a second data set determined after planting, and the planted crop is thinned according to the second population prescription. In some embodiments the crop is selectively thinned to remove plants having a plant removal index below a threshold.

1 . A method of optimizing the stand of a planted crop, comprising:
 capturing a first image of an individual plant in a field;   predicting a productivity of said individual plant based on a physical characteristic of said individual plant in said first image, said productivity of said individual plant relating to a yield of said individual plant; and   removing said individual plant if said predicted productivity is less than a threshold productivity.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said predicted productivity is related to a predicted number of ears produced by said plant. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said predicted number of ears is based on the relative characteristics of two adjacent plants. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said characteristic of said first image comprises a leaf orientation. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said characteristic of said first image comprises a leaf length. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said characteristic of said first image comprises a leaf width. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said characteristic of said first image comprises a stalk width. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said characteristic of said first image comprises a distance between nodes of a corn plant. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said first image is captured by a first camera positioned to the side of said individual plant, and wherein said first camera is supported by an imaging implement configured to traverse said field. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a second image of said individual is captured by a second camera, wherein said second camera captures said second image simultaneously with said first image, and wherein said second camera is supported by said imaging implement. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a second image of said individual is captured by a second camera, wherein said second image comprises an aerial image.