A Comprehensive Review of Spectral Sensing Devices and Diagnostic Equipment for Field Crop Growth Monitoring

Abstract

Timely and accurate crop growth information is a prerequisite for informed agronomic decision–making. Spectral sensing is a powerful tool that enables non–destructive and efficient monitoring of crop growth. The development and application of spectral sensing devices, therefore, play a pivotal role in advancing smart agriculture. In this paper, we presented a comprehensive review of research progress on crop spectral sensing devices. We compiled and summarized the characteristics of current portable, vehicle–based, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)–based, and internet of things (IoT)–based crop growth spectral sensing devices, considering their attributes in capturing different crop growth information. We also examined and discussed the bottlenecks and future directions for the development of high–level crop growth spectral sensing devices, which is expected to address challenges faced in modern agricultural development.

Keywords: Smart agriculture, agricultural information, Spectral sensors, Application review