Canopy Index Evaluation for Precision Management in an Intensive Olive Orchard

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Reviewer

This research paper was initiated to purpose a multiparametric tool for infield monitoring mounted on agri-19 cultural tractor for canopy analysis. For this purpose, the system permits measuring several indicators such as the canopy height, the possible lack of trees, the canopy density, the environment air temperature and humidity, and the foliage level. The multiparametric system made it possible to identify with good approximation the main dimensional aspects of the rows and the areas of greater/lesser vegetative vigor subject to subsequent evaluations for correct production management. The results highlight differences in growth, typical varietal specificities, areas of development deficiency or affected by plant diseases.

I have some questions about this paper.

Line 116: please improve the formula numbering according to the journal instructions; [10]? it should be [1]

Line 136: is this the correct (CI– eq. 1) notation to refer to the equation in your sentence? Please improve notation.

Line 138: not correct numbering for the equation. Please improve.

Line 138-141: please write correctly the parameter labels in the equation.

In the chapter 2. Materials and Methods, add a subsection in which you in detail describe the digital tree canopy olive model. The current description of the digital tree canopy model is very poor.

Line 161: improve image quality, font format (same as the text), improve the title of Figure 2.

Please change the font format (same as the text) on the Figure 3 and 4 and improve image quality. ), Please improve the title of Figure 3. 

In the manuscript e.g. chapter 2. Materials and Methods  add an Figure of your modular measuring system and a more detailed description of the modular measuring system.

Chapter 4 is missing from the manucript???

Reorganize chapter ‘’5. Conclusions’’ and rewrite it with a more detailed description of your results. Compare your results with other research works. Why you did not mention laser LIDAR measurement technology with which it is possible to measure more precisely the tree canopy characteristics and compare your modular system with other modular systems for digital canopy evaluation (such as: spectral systems, photogrammetry, other measurement vision systems…). You should point this out in chapter 5.  

Add chapter 6, for example ‘’6. Future work’’ and in this chapter write guidelines for your further research work in improving your automated modular system for digital olive canopy reconstruction. Further research work is very poorly described in Chapter 5.

After major revision I will reconsider if the manuscript is suitable for publication in journal Sustainability.

Author Response

Please receive the detailed response

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

General comments:

The research article entitled "CANOPY INDEX EVALUATION FOR PRECISION MANAGEMENT IN AN INTENSIVE OLIVE ORCHARD" characterized the canopy of an intensive olive orchard in terms of height, density, and homogeneity to support the growers for orchard management. The manuscript is well written and contributes to the existing knowledge. In my mind, the article is acceptable for publication in “Sustainability” after considering the suggestions mentioned below.

I suggest some suggestions and corrections to the authors, which are further listed:

Specific comments:

1. The title should be capitalized. “CANOPY INDEX EVALUATION FOR PRECISION MANAGEMENT IN AN INTENSIVE OLIVE ORCHARD”→ "Canopy Index Evaluation for Precision Management in an Intensive Olive Orchard".
2. The abstract seems too general. I would suggest rewriting the abstract (background, objectives, methodology, results, and the impact of the research). Especially, the objectives and results should be clearly stated.
3. Line 34: “Most of the experiences occurred in vineyards”? I’m not sure what authors want to state here, please rephrase the sentence.
4. Authors could include more information such as the average field and environmental conditions of the experimental orchards in the methodology.
5. In the methodology, some experimental photographs showing the location of sensors and satellite/field images could be added for more attractiveness to the readers.
6. Detailed statistical analysis and procedures should be included in the “Materials and methods” section.
7. The absence of sub-headings in the “Materials and methods” and “Results and Discussion” sections have made the article even more difficult to understand, so better to include sub-headings in both sections.
8. The impacts of this research should be clearly and concisely mentioned at the end of the conclusion section.

Author Response

Please receive the detailed response

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Reviewer 2 Report

The revised manuscript entitled "CANOPY INDEX EVALUATION FOR PRECISION MANAGEMENT IN AN INTENSIVE OLIVE ORCHARD" has been considerably improved by the authors. In my mind, the manuscript is acceptable for publication in Sustainability.