Remote Sensing for Crop Agronomy - More Than Pretty Pictures
February 2026
Crop imagery from drones and satellites can now provide agronomists useful information to assist in crop management. This presentation will review some of the recent research at the Crop Imaging Lab at the University of Saskatchewan. We are now at a crossroads where remotely sensed satellite information can be analyzed with machine learning to inform agronomic decisions. Cheap drones can be used to scout canola fields for crop emergence and allow farmers to make informed reseeding decisions.
UAV trained machine learning models can now use satellite data to map kochia infestations on farmer’s fields and target control measures. These models can also use satellite and environment data to make accurate yield predictions before harvest. Crop classification maps can be used to determine the risk of root rot based on crop rotations for any field in western Canada. And finally, our lab is in the process of wall-to-wall mapping of all western Canada at a 10m resolution to measure and understand the causes of within field spatial variability in crop yield and profitability.
Steve Shirtliffe grew up on a farm in Manitoba and then in the 90’s returned to the University of Manitoba for his PhD. Since then, he has been a professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. His position involves teaching, research, and extension in the areas of crop imaging and agronomy.
Past and current research projects have focused on phenotypic and agronomic applications of crop imaging using UAV and satellite imagery. He has a wide range of interests and collaborates widely with computer scientists, plant breeders, geographers, economists, soil scientists and engineers to form dynamic research groups to tackle inter-disciplinary problems.
The Future of Precision Agriculture With Dr. Steve Shirtliffe and Dr. Preston Sorenson (Podcast)
September 2024
I wanted to have a conversation about cutting edge tools and the future of digital agriculture, and I definitely think we succeeded in bringing that to you today. Both Steve and Preston are thinking deeply about the best ways to collect and analyze data, think about variability, and utilize this deeper understanding for real world outcomes on farms. Dr. Preston Sorenson is a research associate in the department of soil science at the University of Saskatchewan. His work focuses on mapping soil properties using a range of data sources, usually from satellite imagery and elevation data. He also works a lot with soil sensor systems, in particular for rapid carbon measurements. And carbon measurement is something we definitely get into today. Dr. Steve Shirtliffe is a professor also at the University of Saskatchewan but in the department of plant sciences. As I mentioned in the opener, he pivoted his career about seven years ago from his focus in agronomy to now working in the area broadly referred to as digital agriculture. His focus is on crop imaging and understanding in-field spatial variability and what causes it. Steve and Preston talk about digital tools, ag data, artificial intelligence, and what the future might hold for precision agriculture.
Advancements in Agricultural Research
January 2024
Crop imaging for phenotyping and precision agriculture presented by Dr. Steve Shirtliffe (PhD), Professor, Plant Sciences.
The Advancements in Agricultural Research seminar series features agricultural researchers from the University of Saskatchewan, hosted by the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
Can we reduce dependence on herbicides for cropping? A Canadian perspective
March 2023
In this seminar, Professor Steve Shirtliffe discusses herbicide resistance and the need to use agrochemicals more effectively to reduce their use.
Agronomic Applications of Remotely Sensed Data
November 2022
Steve Shirtliffe, Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan, discusses remotely sensed UAV and satellite imagery and how it can be used to monitor crop growth and inform agronomic decisions.
Watch to learn about machine learning techniques that allow for mapping and predicting crop stage, crop yield potential, soil salinity, weed patch dynamics, crop emergence, and soil organic carbon content.
This session was presented at the semi-annual Farms.com Precision Agriculture Conference.
Utilizing Google Earth Engine data to Determine Spatial Variability in Crop Productivity
Dr. Steven Shirtliffe, a Professor at the University of Saskatchewan and Dr. Thuan Ha, a Research Associate at the University of Saskatchewan presenting 'Utilizing Remote Sensing Data from Google Earth Engine to Determine Historic Within-field Spatial Variability in Crop Productivity'
Going Organic: Seminar Series
January 2022
Clemson University's Organic Pulse Breeding Seminar Series featuring guest speaker Dr. Steve Shirtliffe, Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan. "Organic Weed Control in Small Grain Crops."
Field Phenotyping Of Crops with UAVs
October 2018
P2IRC Workshop - Steve Shirtliffe, University of Saskatchewan: Field Phenotyping Of Crops With Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
