Guelph geographer recognized by Canadian Foundation for Innovation, John R. Evans Leaders Fund

Dr. Aaron Berg, professor in Geography, Environment and Geomatics, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, and the Canada Research Chair in Hydrology and Remote Sensing, has received almost $40,000 in funding from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI)’s prestigious John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF).

CFI finances research support and tools that leading researchers need to pursue their projects. The CFI’s JELF totals more than $30 million to 136 research infrastructure projects at 31 universities.

Berg studies methods for monitoring and mapping soil moisture patterns. In agriculture, knowledge of soil and plant water can help to farm healthier crops more efficiently and cost-effectively with reduced impact on soil quality and water resources.

Berg and his team will be developing an approach to mapping soil moisture using specially equipped low-flying drones. While soil moisture data from satellites can be used to improve weather forecasting, wildfire prediction and drought detection, agricultural applications require localized, high-resolution data. The high-resolution mapping available from the proposed sensor will be able to capture these patterns at spatial resolutions useful for the application of precision agricultural techniques.

The award will help to cover equipment expenses, including a prototype sensor designed by Skaha Remote Sensing for this project.

“My team envisions so many applications for this unique equipment,” said Dr. Berg. “We’re excited to begin our work with it this spring.”