Drone-based NDVI for sorghum productivity prediction under NPK fertilization

Abstract

Integrating drone-based vegetation indices with NPK fertilization strategies offers a novel approach to enhancing the productivity of sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L.). Using drone-based monitoring, this study investigated the effects of varying NPK fertilizer doses and sorghum varieties on growth, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and yield. Conducted at the Bajeng Experimental Farm, South Sulawesi, the experiment employed a split-plot design, testing five NPK levels as a range of 60%, 80%, 100%, 120%, and 140% from the recommended NPK dosage (120:90:60 kg/ha to 280:210:140 kg/ha) and five sorghum varieties. NDVI was measured at vegetative, transitional vegetative to generative, and generative phases. Results revealed a significant quadratic correlation between NDVI and productivity, with optimal yields recorded at specific NDVI thresholds across growth stages. The NDVI demonstrated greater effectiveness in assessing plant nutrient status through chlorophyll content than other tools, such as the Chlorophyll Content Meter (CCM) and Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD), as indicated by its stronger correlation with yield. A strong genetic effect was shown in the recent study, with the Super 2 variety consistently showing the highest NDVI and productivity (6.31 tons/ha) at the highest NPK dose, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrient management. These findings highlight NDVI's potential as a reliable tool for real-time yield prediction and support the adoption of precision agriculture practices for sustainable sorghum production.

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