A free tool for Miscanthus growers to improve crop establishment, resilience, and yield forecasting using drone imagery and data analysis has launched this summer.
Gono.ai automatically detects and counts Miscanthus plants from high-resolution drone images, generating easy-to-read establishment maps and density reports. These outputs allow farmers to see how well crops are establishing, spot any issues early, and benchmark performance against target densities.
As well as mapping plant establishment, gono.ai can also forecast yield using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) analysis. By combining stem and leaf biomass data with drone imagery, the platform provides early yield predictions, months before harvest, giving farmers valuable insight for planning and market decisions.
Users simply upload drone images and field boundary files, and the system delivers visual maps, density data, and reports in both image and CSV formats. The outputs are compatible with common GIS and web-mapping tools, ensuring straightforward integration into farm management.
The project was developed as part of OMENZ and funded by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ). It has been designed not just as a research tool, but as a practical, farm-ready system that supports the growth of a resilient UK Miscanthus sector.
“gono.ai makes cutting-edge science accessible to farmers in the field,” said [Spokesperson]. “By combining AI with drone technology, growers can improve establishment, manage risk, and maximise long-term crop performance.”
The platform is available free for single-field assessments, with tailored options for larger-scale projects.
For more information or to try gono.ai, visit https://gono.ai or contact info@gono.ai.
