Optimization of fertilization through sensors and precision agriculture methods
The ConSensi project is intended to rationalise and optimise nitrogen fertilisation for livestock feed crops with particular reference to maize, through the efficient integration of algorithms for the improvement of the use of data arising from mapping systems (soil, vegetative vigour and production) and devoted to variable rate distribution of liquid or solid wastewater and mineral fertiliser.
In order to achieve the objectives set, it is expected: the development of a prototype Rover (with automated driving with GNSS-RTK localization system) for electromagnetic soil mapping and equipped with autosampler, the development of NIR predictive models for the estimation of the main parameters of agronomic interest of soil, the use of multi-spectral drone surveys for the detection of vegetation indices and for the development of a company-wide correction system for the data acquired by Sentinel 2 satellites, and finally the integration of data from the different platforms into a decision support system (SSD) able to provide advice for nitrogen fertilization.
The agricultural sector in which the ConSensi project is involved is the production of maize for livestock feeding. The cultivation of maize for fodder use involves about 23% of the UAA for arable crops, cooresponding to 52% for temporary grassland and grassland. A large part of the growing area (40% of the UAA in Lombardy, and 60% of the plain) is susceptible to nitrate water pollution because it is used in combination with large volumes of water and nitrogen fertilizers (Bechini and Castoldi, 2009), in addition with livestock manure (Zavattaro et al, 2012), even outside the optimal cultivation periods. Morover the nature of the soil of the Lombardy is generally loose and the hydrological system is vulnerable (superficiality of the aquifers and the presence of numerous surface watercourses). For these reasons, in order to preserve the quality of surface water and groundwater, regional legislation regulates the use of mineral fertilisers and livestock manure in Lombardy. Today there are precision agriculture technologies to characterize the soil and monitor crops with high spatial and temporal resolution, and for site-specific nitrogen application (Diacono and Montemurro 2012; Lemaire et al., 2008). Such solutions are interesting to support localised fertilisation plans, in order to further increase the efficiency of nitrogen use, increase the farm's economic margin and reduce the environmental impact of agricultural activity (European Union, 2016; Sartori et al., 2012).
Development of a prototype Rover with automatic driving and a GNSS-RTK tracking system for electromagnetic soil mapping. The Rover will be equipped with an autosampler that allows the collection and transport of soil samples for reference analysis and NIR analysis on site.
Development of NIR predictive models for the estimation of total soil organic matter and of the fraction of organic matter that can be easily mineralized. Determination of the total nitrogen content of the soil.
Development of a decision support system (SSD) capable of maintaining soil organic matter levels through site-specific management of livestock manure and nitrogen fertilization. The SSD will be able to interface directly with the input data file formats and the file formats of the operating machines. Electromagnetic soil resistivity mapping data, soil NIR analysis, aerial vegetation surveys and production mapping will be integrated into the system.
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