Applications of Machine Learning in Apple Crop Yield Prediction
| dc.contributor.advisor | Britz, Stefan S | |
| dc.contributor.author | van den Heever, Deirdre | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2022-03-22T09:53:25Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2022-03-22T09:53:25Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2021 | |
| dc.date.updated | 2022-03-22T07:03:16Z | |
| dc.description.abstract | This study proposes the application of machine learning techniques to predict yield in the apple industry. Crop yield prediction is important because it impacts resource and capacity planning. It is, however, challenging because yield is affected by multiple interrelated factors such as climate conditions and orchard management practices. Machine learning methods have the ability to model complex relationships between input and output features. This study considers the following machine learning methods for apple yield prediction: multiple linear regression, artificial neural networks, random forests and gradient boosting. The models are trained, optimised, and evaluated using both a random and chronological data split, and the out-of-sample results are compared to find the best-suited model. The methodology is based on a literature analysis that aims to provide a holistic view of the field of study by including research in the following domains: smart farming, machine learning, apple crop management and crop yield prediction. The models are built using apple production data and environmental factors, with the modelled yield measured in metric tonnes per hectare. The results show that the random forest model is the best performing model overall with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 21.52 and 14.14 using the chronological and random data splits respectively. The final machine learning model outperforms simple estimator models showing that a data-driven approach using machine learning methods has the potential to benefit apple growers. | |
| dc.identifier.apacitation | van den Heever, D. (2021). <i>Applications of Machine Learning in Apple Crop Yield Prediction</i>. (). ,Faculty of Science ,Department of Statistical Sciences. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11427/36192 | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.chicagocitation | van den Heever, Deirdre. <i>"Applications of Machine Learning in Apple Crop Yield Prediction."</i> ., ,Faculty of Science ,Department of Statistical Sciences, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/36192 | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.citation | van den Heever, D. 2021. Applications of Machine Learning in Apple Crop Yield Prediction. . ,Faculty of Science ,Department of Statistical Sciences. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/36192 | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.ris | TY - Master Thesis AU - van den Heever, Deirdre AB - This study proposes the application of machine learning techniques to predict yield in the apple industry. Crop yield prediction is important because it impacts resource and capacity planning. It is, however, challenging because yield is affected by multiple interrelated factors such as climate conditions and orchard management practices. Machine learning methods have the ability to model complex relationships between input and output features. This study considers the following machine learning methods for apple yield prediction: multiple linear regression, artificial neural networks, random forests and gradient boosting. The models are trained, optimised, and evaluated using both a random and chronological data split, and the out-of-sample results are compared to find the best-suited model. The methodology is based on a literature analysis that aims to provide a holistic view of the field of study by including research in the following domains: smart farming, machine learning, apple crop management and crop yield prediction. The models are built using apple production data and environmental factors, with the modelled yield measured in metric tonnes per hectare. The results show that the random forest model is the best performing model overall with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 21.52 and 14.14 using the chronological and random data splits respectively. The final machine learning model outperforms simple estimator models showing that a data-driven approach using machine learning methods has the potential to benefit apple growers. DA - 2021_ DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town KW - Statistical Sciences LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PY - 2021 T1 - Applications of Machine Learning in Apple Crop Yield Prediction TI - Applications of Machine Learning in Apple Crop Yield Prediction UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/36192 ER - | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/11427/36192 | |
| dc.identifier.vancouvercitation | van den Heever D. Applications of Machine Learning in Apple Crop Yield Prediction. []. ,Faculty of Science ,Department of Statistical Sciences, 2021 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/36192 | en_ZA |
| dc.language.rfc3066 | eng | |
| dc.publisher.department | Department of Statistical Sciences | |
| dc.publisher.faculty | Faculty of Science | |
| dc.subject | Statistical Sciences | |
| dc.title | Applications of Machine Learning in Apple Crop Yield Prediction | |
| dc.type | Master Thesis | |
| dc.type.qualificationlevel | Masters | |
| dc.type.qualificationlevel | MSc |