Ensemble Learning for Oat Yield Prediction Using Multi-Growth Stage UAV Images

Abstract

Accurate crop yield prediction is crucial for optimizing cultivation practices and informing breeding decisions. Integrating UAV-acquired multispectral datasets with advanced machine learning methodologies has markedly refined the accuracy of crop yield forecasting. This study aimed to construct a robust and versatile yield prediction model for multi-genotyped oat varieties by investigating 14 modeling scenarios that combine multispectral data from four key growth stages. An ensemble learning framework, StackReg, was constructed by stacking four base algorithms—ridge regression (RR), support vector machines (SVM), Cubist, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost)—to predict oat yield. The results show that, for single growth stages, base models achieved R2 values within the interval of 0.02 to 0.60 and RMSEs ranging from 391.50 to 620.49 kg/ha. By comparison, the StackReg improved performance, with R2 values extending from 0.25 to 0.61 and RMSEs narrowing to 385.33 and 542.02 kg/ha. In dual-stage and multi-stage settings, the StackReg consistently surpassed the base models, reaching R2 values of up to 0.65 and RMSE values as low as 371.77 kg/ha. These findings underscored the potential of combining UAV-derived multispectral imagery with ensemble learning for high-throughput phenotyping and yield forecasting, advancing precision agriculture in oat cultivation.

Plant phenotyping relevance

UAVマルチスペクトル画像からオートの収量を推定するアンサンブル解析手法を構築・比較しており、植物形質の取得・推定が研究の中心である。

Code and data availability

The supplied blocks describe UAV multispectral imagery, vegetation indices, and the StackReg ensemble framework, but contain no data availability statement, public dataset deposit, or author code release. The only URLs mentioned are the journal/DOI links and a generic weather service (meteoblue) used for climate data,;

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