Spectral Variability Analysis of Lupinus mutabilis Sweet Under Nanofertilizer and Chelate Application Through Spectroscopy and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Multispectral Images

Abstract

Lupin is an Andean legume that has gained importance in Ecuador due to the protein content in its grain. Nonetheless, in recent times the production of lupin has been affected by inadequate nutritional management. In order to avoid such circumstances, the current study spectrally analyzed lupin cultivation under the application of nanofertilizers and Fe and Zn chelates, within two controlled trials, using a radiometer spectrum, an active crop sensor and a multispectral sensor mounted on a UAV. Vegetation indices were generated and subsequently statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests. In the field trial, the treatments lacked an indication of significant improvements, while in the greenhouse trial, the nanofertilizer treatments indicated better results compared to the control treatments. However, it was also determined that the application of nanofertilizers at a concentration of 540 ppm demonstrated significant efficiency in greenhouse conditions, which could not be achieved in the field. Furthermore, the chelate treatment presented a certain degree of toxicity for the plant.