IoT technology enables precision farming. In the use cases we link existing sensor networks, earth observations systems, crop growth models and yield gap analysis tools to a variety of databases. This combination of information creates effective, standardized actuation protocols (‘task maps’) for machines and robots.  Focusing on the cultivation of three main crops (wheat, soybeans and potatoes), in different European regions and climate zones, the trial includes activities along the cropping cycle. With the help of IoT technologies, data on key variables such as the soil, climate conditions, growth of plants and weed, disease or pest prevalence can be combined in a meaningful way. 

The innovative farm management systems in the arable farming trial address urgent challenges, such as the efficient use of pesticides, fertilizers and energy. The smart combination of data also enhances transparency and food safety along the food chain. 

Within-field Management Zoning: defining specific field management zones by developing and linking sensing and actuating devices with external data, mainly in potato

Precision Crop Management: introducing smart wheat crop management by sensor data embedded in a low-power, long-range network infrastructure, mainly in wheat

Soya Protein Management: improving protein production by combining sensor data and translating them into effective machine task operations

Farm Machine Interoperability: exchanging data between field machinery and farm management information systems for supporting cross-over pilot machine communication