Contexte

The traditional rain-fed almond tree training system is based on the classic vase, which normally involves severe pruning and wide plant spacing, due to the limited availability of water. Today, the incorporation of irrigation, new and improved planting materials, technology and the use of more fertile, better quality soils enables new production models, with different systems for managing almond orchards and harvesting.
These new production models included high-density orchards, which are possible thanks to the use of moderate or low vigour rootstocks, which, combined with new varieties, can provide high and early production. Unfortunately, there is still a considerable lack of knowledge on how to manage these new farming systems properly.

Of particular note in this context is the importance of developing a comprehensive model for monitoring and improving super-intensive almond cultivation that can integrate local, high-resolution measurements from LiDAR (light detection and ranging or laser imaging detection and ranging) 3D scanning systems with lower-resolution but larger-scale satellite imagery. This comprehensive image analysis system will allow high-resolution monitoring of the crop canopy. Crop vegetation development can be continuously correlated with agricultural operations and production, allowing more precise and efficient agronomic management.