Researchers at Sarsen Amanzholov University in UST-Kamenogorsk, East Kazakhstan have developed a digital system that integrates drone images with artificial intelligence (AI) to assess soil quality and crop health with high accuracy.
This system allows farmers to monitor soil and plant conditions in ways that are not previously accessible. The drone, equipped with a multispectral camera, captures images into five spectral bands: red, blue, green, near-infrared and mid-infrared.
“This approach allows us to “see” what is invisible to the human eye, soil moisture levels, chlorophyll content, early signs of plant disease, or degradation of the land,” said Almasbaek Maurit, a researcher at Sarsen Amantzkholov University. “AI algorithms analyze images, distinguish between crops and weeds, identify spread patterns, and generate automated maps of infected areas. This allows farmers to take targeted behavior from local treatments in problem zones to crop rotations and adjusting how they grow.”
The system offers several important benefits:
- Optimized use of fertilizer and plant protection products, reducing costs
- Early detection of problems, minimizing crop loss
- Improved profitability through better sowing and crop management strategies
- Trustworthy Land Quality Assessment by Investors and State Authorities
The project is part of Kazakhstan's broader strategy to integrate high-tech solutions into agriculture, a sector that is the cornerstone of the national economy. Early this year, The era of Central Asia Karaganda engineers reported that they have announced a prototype of a drone designed for public safety applications.
By integrating AI with drone-based imaging, scientists in East Kazakhstan are helping to position the country's agribusiness sector for smarter, more sustainable practices and long-term growth.
