Cost-effective multispectral imaging system for detecting nitrogen over-fertilization under different temperatures in greenhouse sweet pepper plants

This study investigates the effects of nitrogen (N) excess under two temperature conditions on greenhouse-grown pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.), using a low-cost cablecam system for proximal remote sensing. Commonly used vegetation indices were analyzed to assess plant responses under varying N t...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Piñero Zapata, María Carmen, Gómez-Candón, David, López Maestresalas, Ainara, Collado-González, Jacinta, Otálora, Ginés, Amor, Francisco Moisés del
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad Pública de Navarra
Repositorio:Academica-e. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad Pública de Navarra
OAI Identifier:oai:academica-e.unavarra.es:2454/54577
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2454/54577
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Proximal sensing
Nitrogen over-fertilization
Multispectral imaging
Greenhouse
Pepper plants
High temperature
Vegetation indices
Descripción
Sumario:This study investigates the effects of nitrogen (N) excess under two temperature conditions on greenhouse-grown pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.), using a low-cost cablecam system for proximal remote sensing. Commonly used vegetation indices were analyzed to assess plant responses under varying N treatments (Control, 2 N, and 3 N) and temperature conditions (Control and Control+5 °C). The results showed that vegetation indices exhibited a lower variability in spectral reflectance under high temperature, and moderate correlations with plant traits such as %N and chlorophyll content, particularly under control temperature. However, high temperatures constrained the sensitivity of vegetation indices in detecting variations in N status, suggesting that thermal stress limits the plant¿s ability to effectively utilize and respond to available nitrogen. Additionally, while short-term excess nitrogen application enhanced vegetation indices values in the control temperature setting, prolonged exposure led to oxidative stress, as confirmed by the increase in lipid peroxidation and the reduction in total phenolic content. The low-cost cablecam system provides a practical, versatile, and easily deployable solution for greenhouse environments. Despite only allowing for the control of scrolling speed, the cablecam system, integrated with a GPS-enabled multispectral camera, enabled precise and individual plant monitoring. This approach presents an adaptable alternative to unmanned aerial vehicles in greenhouse settings, demonstrating its potential for accurate monitoring and contributing to improved stress and nutrient management strategies. This study highlights the potential of vegetation indices as practical tools for assessing plant N status in greenhouse environments, although temperature-induced physiological changes should be accounted for in their interpretation.