UAV imaging and deep learning based method for predicting residual film in cotton field plough layer

In this paper, a method for predicting residual film content in the cotton field plough layer based on UAV imaging and deep learning was proposed to solve the issues of high labour intensity, low efficiency, and high cost of traditional methods for residual film content monitoring. Images of residual film on soil surface in the cotton field were collected by UAV, and residual film content in the plough layer was obtained by manual sampling. Based on the three deep learning frameworks of LinkNet, FCN, and DeepLabv3, a model for segmenting residual film from the cotton field image was built. After comparing the segmentation results, DeepLabv3 was determined to be the best model for segmenting residual film, and then the area of residual film was obtained. In addition, a linear regression prediction model between the residual film coverage area on the cotton field surface and the residual film content in the plough layer was built. The results showed that the correlation coefficient (R²), root mean square error, and average relative error of the prediction of residual film content in the plough layer were 0.83, 0.48, and 11.06%, respectively. It indicates that a quick and accurate prediction of residual film content in the cotton field plough layer can be realized based on UAV imaging and deep learning. This study provides certain technical support for monitoring and evaluating residual film pollution in the cotton field plough layer.