The Rutgers University Center for Turfgrass Research creates tens of thousands of genetic variations, combining them with a variety of treatment applications to find the most effective profiles resistant to heat, foot traffic, and disease. Plot trials are small (3' x 5') and variations in color & health are quite subtle. Comparing plot trial health via imaging at the resolution and precision required for reliable research results was previously a roadblock. AlphaRTK combined Rutgers University access to AlphaRTK's cm level precision with a DJI Multispectral drone, ArcGIS Field Maps, and Pix4D Fields photogrammetry to produce bi-weekly multi-spectral statistical analytics of over 800 plot-trials at 5mm resolution. Rutgers is currently scaling this innovative use of geospatial data at its farms to accelerate statistical insights into turfgrass responses to stressors.
