Monitoring a zinc biofortification workflow in an experimental field of Triticum aestivum L. applying smart farming technology

The strong increase of the human population worldwide is demanding a food production meeting quality standards. In this context, the agronomic biofortification with Zn is widely used in staple food crops as a strategy to surpass micronutrient deficiencies. Conversely, as bread wheat is one of the most produced and consumed cereal, this staple food biofortification can be an opportunity to create an added value product. In this context, a workflow for Zn biofortification of Triticum aestivum L. (cvs Paiva and Roxo) crops was implemented in an experimental field located in Beja, Portugal, and smart farming techniques were introduced. Images were collected with cameras coupled to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle before Zn foliar applications. Grain yield, test weight, and thousand kernel weight were analyzed (post-harvest) after two foliar applications of ZnSO4. Three levels of the factor were used (control–0, 8.1 and 18.2 kg.ha−1) at booting and heading stages. In general, when applying higher concentrations of foliar Zn, grain yield, test weight, and thousand kernel weight decreased slightly and Paiva presented higher values compared to Roxo. Nevertheless, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) did not reveal a direct correlation between its higher values or the increase of grain yield. However, it was concluded that using drones coupled with specific cameras is of utmost importance to decide whether an experimental field is qualified to implement a biofortification workflow