What is one use of remote sensing in agriculture?

Remote sensing is a valuable tool in agriculture that utilizes satellite or aerial imagery to gather data about crops and the environment. Assessing crop health and monitoring environmental conditions is one of the primary applications of remote sensing technology. By capturing images that reflect different wavelengths of light, remote sensing can provide insights into plant health indicators, such as chlorophyll levels, moisture content, and overall vigor.

This method allows farmers to detect issues such as disease stress, nutrient deficiencies, and water stress before they become visible to the naked eye. Furthermore, remote sensing can help monitor environmental conditions, including soil moisture, temperature variations, and changes in land use, which are critical for making informed agricultural decisions. This data-driven approach enhances precision agriculture, enabling farmers to optimize yields and manage resources more effectively.

The other options represent important aspects of modern agriculture but are not direct applications of remote sensing technology like monitoring crop health does. Automating irrigation systems may involve different technologies such as ground sensors, while improving seed variety development typically relies on genetic research rather than remote sensing. Similarly, increasing fertilizer efficiency could involve soil testing and nutrient management practices that don't directly involve the remote sensing of crops.