The TARBIL Program: A Model of Agricultural Innovation
The TARBIL program required accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information across all production areas during the growing season. To meet this need, ITU installed an Airbus Direct Receiving Station (DRS) in 2002, capable of collecting vast quantities of spatial imagery and delivering it in near real-time. This system, supported by Airbus' SPOT satellites, provided the necessary 1.5-meter resolution images to assess vegetation variability even within the smallest fields.
The spatial data collected is processed in near real-time by ministerial technical units and ingested into a cloud-based platform. This platform converts the data into detailed vegetation maps (NDVI), calibrated with live ground information collected by over 15,000 sensors spread across Turkey. This integration allows for object-based classification, delivering field-level crop type maps and cultivated area statistics to MoFAL before harvesting. Farmers can access this value-added data through the cloud, enabling timely and accurate decision-making.
Empowering Farmers with Advanced Tools
Through TARBIL, farmers receive free, tablet-based access to information that helps optimize fertilizer and pesticide allocation within their fields. The system also includes features such as automatic water consumption optimization, customizable early warnings, and alerts to detect field problems for timely responses. Continuous yield forecasts at the field scale help assess food security and anticipate shortages, fostering environmental protection and democratizing precision agriculture.
Strategic Impact and Future Prospects
The TARBIL program exemplifies the rationalization of public spending through smart resource pooling among Turkish institutions. This model not only optimizes agricultural practices but also supports environmental sustainability. By providing farmers with advanced, easy-to-use tools, the program enhances overall productivity and resource management.
Airbus' Contribution: Leveraging Advanced Satellite Technology
Airbus has significantly advanced Earth observation with its Pléiades Neo satellites, which mark a milestone in remote sensing. These high-resolution satellites, financed, manufactured, owned, and managed by Airbus, provide exceptional Earth observation capabilities for commercial, institutional, and governmental users. The Pléiades Neo constellation, comprising two identical spacecraft with 30 cm resolution, offers rapid tasking and the ability to revisit any point on Earth at least twice daily.
The satellites contribute approximately 500,000 km² of imagery daily, accessible through Airbus' OneAtlas digital platform. This platform provides immediate access to fresh and archived data, as well as powerful analytics tools. The compact Pléiades Neo satellites, equipped with cutting-edge lightweight silicon carbide optical instruments and inter-satellite links via Airbus' SpaceDataHighway, enable emergency acquisitions within 40 minutes of a request. Their high-resolution imagery enhances image analysis for both human experts and machine learning algorithms, improving object recognition for various applications.
Enhancing Agricultural Management with Advanced Imaging
The Pléiades Neo constellation excels in geolocation accuracy and spectral band information, facilitating a range of applications including risk analysis and damage assessment for natural hazards. This high level of detail and frequent updates support comprehensive agricultural management, contributing to sustainable practices and improved resource utilization. The integration of Pléiades Neo data into systems like TARBIL underscores the potential of advanced satellite technology to revolutionize agricultural monitoring and management.
Sector-Specific Applications: The Pléiades Neo constellation supports a variety of sectors within agriculture, including crop monitoring, soil analysis, and irrigation management. By providing detailed imagery and data, these satellites help in identifying crop health, assessing soil moisture levels, and optimizing irrigation schedules. This sector-specific application ensures that resources are used efficiently, enhancing overall agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Performance Metrics: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Pléiades Neo-supported agricultural management system include accuracy of crop yield forecasts, efficiency of water usage, and reduction in pesticide and fertilizer application. These KPIs are critical in measuring the effectiveness of the TARBIL program and the overall impact of satellite data on agricultural practices. High accuracy in yield forecasts helps in better planning and resource allocation, while efficient water usage and reduced chemical inputs contribute to environmental sustainability.
Strategic Targets: The strategic targets of the TARBIL program, enhanced by Pléiades Neo imagery, are centered around improving food security, increasing agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable farming practices. By achieving these targets, the program aims to ensure a stable food supply, enhance the livelihoods of farmers, and protect the environment. The continuous monitoring and timely data provided by the Pléiades Neo satellites play a crucial role in meeting these strategic targets, driving forward the goals of precision agriculture and sustainable development.
A New Era in Agricultural Information Systems
Turkey's TARBIL program, supported by Airbus' advanced satellite technology, represents a significant step forward in agricultural information systems. By providing precise, up-to-date data and advanced tools to farmers, the program enhances agricultural productivity and sustainability. The collaboration between MoFAL, ITU, and Airbus showcases the transformative potential of integrating cutting-edge remote sensing technology with agricultural practices, paving the way for a more secure and sustainable future in agriculture.
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