Optimization of fertilizer management tools: Digitalization to promote soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector
digiMan deals with digital tools for the management of fertilization in connection with the increase of soil organic matter and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The project is testing and improving three key components of digital management:
- data collection,
- data processing and
- decision support.
The automation (“robotization”) of field work is not part of the project.
In close cooperation with practitionres, we want to solve the technical problems of existing systems, ensure efficient data exchange and improve the accuracy, robustness and practicality of the data.
The suitability of the digital tools will be verified through scientific research. This involves measurements, surveys and model development.
The active involvement of farmers and advisors is intended to significantly improve the applicability of the digital systems and thus create the conditions for their increased use in agricultural practice. Workshops and field days will serve as an additional point of contact for practitioners.
Particular emphasis will be placed on solutions for organic farming. As synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides are prohibited, there are other requirements for digital management that are not sufficiently taken into account in the existing digital tools.
Taking into account the spatial variability within the fields through precision agriculture can make a significant contribution to reducing environmental pollution. The digital tools required for this are sometimes lacking, are often inadequate and are not sufficiently coordinated.