24 IREC Farmers' Newsletter No. 198 — Spring 2017 PROGRESS IN REMOTE SENSING OF PI NITROGEN UPTAKE l  NDVI is of limited value in detecting differences in nitrogen uptake in rice crops at panicle initiation (PI) due to its saturation at nitrogen uptake levels above 80 kg N/ha. l  NDRE uses wavelengths in the red edge band and it provides a stronger relationship with nitrogen uptake in rice at PI than NDVI. l  A preliminary calibration has been developed for the MicaSense RedEdge sensor to directly predict PI nitrogen topdressing rates for Koshihikari, Doongara and YRK5 rice varieties using NDRE values, without the need to physically sample the crop. l  Rice varieties requiring nitrogen topdressing at higher levels of PI nitrogen uptake, will still require physical sampling of the crop at PI to determine PI nitrogen uptake. The ability to measure real-time crop characteristics is allowing improved nitrogen management during the season, giving potential to increase productivity and profitability in the rice industry. Brian Dunn and Tina Dunn NSW Department of Primary Industries, Yanco Agricultural Institute Remy Dehaan Charles Sturt University Andrew Robson University of New England ADVANCES in and availability of new remote sensing sensors has provided greater opportunities for agriculture. Our team has spent five years investigating the potential of remote sensing in rice by comparing the available research, investigating commercial drone, aircraft and satellite sensors and platforms, with the aim of better predicting nitrogen uptake in rice at panicle initiation (PI). We have identified a number of remote sensing options for rice growers. This research is part of an ongoing Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC) research project. QUICK TAKE Drone technology has assisted the rice industry in investigating a range of sensors to better predict nitrogen uptake at PI.