Population growth, climate change, resource depletion and soil degradation are challenging agricultural production. To address these challenges, advanced distributed sensing techniques are needed. Decision making in arable farming requires characterization of soil heterogeneity in terms of for instance moisture content, temperature, soil compaction and phosphorus and nitrogen contents. These data can then be used in the precision farming paradigm for optimizing in terms of timing, allocation and dosage the application of inputs like water and fertilizers.
Green sensors to prevent E-waste
To capture the soil heterogeneity, dense sensor networks are needed. These sensor networks should either be reused in consecutive production cycles or be biodegradable to prevent E-waste. The Green Sensors project aims to develop sensor network technology for soil sensing in arable farming using biodegradable technology.
Work packages
Four work packages will address:
1) the development of green materials for the development of biodegradable sensors
2) the design of IoT and ICT systems for wireless green sensor systems
3) optimization of timing, allocation and dosage of inputs using the distributed sensor data
4) realizing optimal and sustainable agricultural production systems using biodegradable sensor networks.