Assessing methane emissions from paddy fields through environmental and UAV remote sensing variables

Concerns about methane (CH₄) emissions from rice, a staple sustaining over 3.5 billion people globally, are heightened due to its status as the second-largest contributor to greenhouse gases, driving climate change. Accurate quantification of CH₄ emissions from rice fields is crucial for understanding gas concentrations. Leveraging technological advancements, we present a groundbreaking solution that integrates machine learning and remote sensing data, challenging traditional closed chamber methods. To achieve this, our methodology involves extensive data collection using drones equipped with a Micasense Altum camera and ground sensors, effectively reducing reliance on labor-intensive and costly field sampling. In this experimental project, our research delves into the intricate relationship between environmental variables, such as soil conditions and weather patterns, and CH₄ emissions. We achieved remarkable results by utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and evaluating over 20 regression models, emphasizing an R² value of 0.98 and 0.95 for the training and testing data, respectively. This outcome designates the random forest regressor as the most suitable model with superior predictive capabilities. Notably, phosphorus, GRVI median, and cumulative soil and water temperature emerged as the model’s fittest variables for predicting these values. Our findings underscore an innovative, cost-effective, and efficient alternative for quantifying CH₄ emissions, marking a significant advancement in the technology-driven approach to evaluating rice growth parameters and vegetation indices, providing valuable insights for advancing gas emissions studies in rice paddies.