Drones to monitor the health of Ebro Delta rice fields

The Institut de l'Ebre leads a technological project to analyze salinity and pests using multispectral cameras.

Generic image of a drone flying over rice fields for agricultural analysis.
IA

Generic image of a drone flying over rice fields for agricultural analysis.

The Institut de l'Ebre, in collaboration with IRTA and the Amposta Agricultural School, will launch a technological project next year to monitor the environmental state of the Ebro Delta.

Titled La FP, Centinela del Delta del Ebro, the project has secured 10,000 euros in funding from Fundación CaixaBank Dualiza and FP Empresa. This initiative combines vocational training with advanced technology to address local agricultural challenges.
Using drones equipped with multispectral cameras, the team will track soil salinity and the spread of the invasive apple snail. Both factors significantly impact rice production and the environmental balance in the Montsià region.
Students specializing in Drones and Energy Efficiency will gain hands-on experience by conducting field monitoring, applying their technical knowledge to a critical environmental issue in the Ebro Delta.