Examining Deep Learning Pixel-Based Classification Algorithms for Mapping Weed Canopy Cover in Wheat Production Using Drone Data

Deep learning models offer valuable insights by leveraging large datasets, enabling precise and strategic decision-making essential for modern agriculture. Despite their potential, limited research has focused on the performance of pixel-based deep learning algorithms for detecting and mapping weed...

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Main Authors: Judith N. Oppong, Clement E. Akumu, Samuel Dennis, Stephanie Anyanwu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Geomatics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7418/5/1/4
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author Judith N. Oppong
Clement E. Akumu
Samuel Dennis
Stephanie Anyanwu
author_facet Judith N. Oppong
Clement E. Akumu
Samuel Dennis
Stephanie Anyanwu
author_sort Judith N. Oppong
collection DOAJ
description Deep learning models offer valuable insights by leveraging large datasets, enabling precise and strategic decision-making essential for modern agriculture. Despite their potential, limited research has focused on the performance of pixel-based deep learning algorithms for detecting and mapping weed canopy cover. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of three neural network architectures—U-Net, DeepLabV3 (DLV3), and pyramid scene parsing network (PSPNet)—in mapping weed canopy cover in winter wheat. Drone data collected at the jointing and booting growth stages of winter wheat were used for the analysis. A supervised deep learning pixel classification methodology was adopted, and the models were tested on broadleaved weed species, winter wheat, and other weed species. The results show that PSPNet outperformed both U-Net and DLV3 in classification performance, with PSPNet achieving the highest overall mapping accuracy of 80%, followed by U-Net at 75% and DLV3 at 56.5%. These findings highlight the potential of pixel-based deep learning algorithms to enhance weed canopy mapping, enabling farmers to make more informed, site-specific weed management decisions, ultimately improving production and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
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spelling doaj-art-b8bae3bd7ce54a0aa79b2eae0b558dde2025-08-20T02:11:23ZengMDPI AGGeomatics2673-74182025-01-0151410.3390/geomatics5010004Examining Deep Learning Pixel-Based Classification Algorithms for Mapping Weed Canopy Cover in Wheat Production Using Drone DataJudith N. Oppong0Clement E. Akumu1Samuel Dennis2Stephanie Anyanwu3Department of Agricultural Science and Engineering, College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN 37209, USADepartment of Agricultural Science and Engineering, College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN 37209, USADepartment of Agricultural Science and Engineering, College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN 37209, USADepartment of Agricultural Science and Engineering, College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN 37209, USADeep learning models offer valuable insights by leveraging large datasets, enabling precise and strategic decision-making essential for modern agriculture. Despite their potential, limited research has focused on the performance of pixel-based deep learning algorithms for detecting and mapping weed canopy cover. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of three neural network architectures—U-Net, DeepLabV3 (DLV3), and pyramid scene parsing network (PSPNet)—in mapping weed canopy cover in winter wheat. Drone data collected at the jointing and booting growth stages of winter wheat were used for the analysis. A supervised deep learning pixel classification methodology was adopted, and the models were tested on broadleaved weed species, winter wheat, and other weed species. The results show that PSPNet outperformed both U-Net and DLV3 in classification performance, with PSPNet achieving the highest overall mapping accuracy of 80%, followed by U-Net at 75% and DLV3 at 56.5%. These findings highlight the potential of pixel-based deep learning algorithms to enhance weed canopy mapping, enabling farmers to make more informed, site-specific weed management decisions, ultimately improving production and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7418/5/1/4high-resolution mappingneural network architecturesprecision agricultureremote sensing imageryvegetation segmentationweed management strategies
spellingShingle Judith N. Oppong
Clement E. Akumu
Samuel Dennis
Stephanie Anyanwu
Examining Deep Learning Pixel-Based Classification Algorithms for Mapping Weed Canopy Cover in Wheat Production Using Drone Data
Geomatics
high-resolution mapping
neural network architectures
precision agriculture
remote sensing imagery
vegetation segmentation
weed management strategies
title Examining Deep Learning Pixel-Based Classification Algorithms for Mapping Weed Canopy Cover in Wheat Production Using Drone Data
title_full Examining Deep Learning Pixel-Based Classification Algorithms for Mapping Weed Canopy Cover in Wheat Production Using Drone Data
title_fullStr Examining Deep Learning Pixel-Based Classification Algorithms for Mapping Weed Canopy Cover in Wheat Production Using Drone Data
title_full_unstemmed Examining Deep Learning Pixel-Based Classification Algorithms for Mapping Weed Canopy Cover in Wheat Production Using Drone Data
title_short Examining Deep Learning Pixel-Based Classification Algorithms for Mapping Weed Canopy Cover in Wheat Production Using Drone Data
title_sort examining deep learning pixel based classification algorithms for mapping weed canopy cover in wheat production using drone data
topic high-resolution mapping
neural network architectures
precision agriculture
remote sensing imagery
vegetation segmentation
weed management strategies
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7418/5/1/4
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AT samueldennis examiningdeeplearningpixelbasedclassificationalgorithmsformappingweedcanopycoverinwheatproductionusingdronedata
AT stephanieanyanwu examiningdeeplearningpixelbasedclassificationalgorithmsformappingweedcanopycoverinwheatproductionusingdronedata