Agrogeophysics for Sustainable Soil Management under Climate Extremes

Agrogeophysics, Soil mapping, soil sensors

36 months

Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 3

Introduction

The project aims to develop minimal-invasive investigation techniques to assist the development of climate-resilient crops and improve agricultural practices in the face of climate change. The focus is on understanding the impact of various agricultural practices, such as fertilizer applications and irrigation, on cereal crops like maize and wheat. To achieve this, the project proposes to use a combination of geophysical methods (electromagnetic induction, electrical resistivity tomography, and ground-penetrating radar) to characterize the soil and its interaction with plants. Experiments will be conducted across different scales and countries (Germany, Ireland, and Uruguay) to investigate the response to different extreme climate conditions and soil types. The ultimate goal is to develop a workflow that can help improve the resilience of agricultural plants to climate extremes, optimize water and fertilizer usage, and support sustainable field management.

Background

The development of measurement techniques to quantify soil water, root presence, and nutrient distribution in soil with high spatial and temporal resolution is important for modern and future agriculture. This is crucial for achieving high crop yields while minimizing the environmental impact of nitrogen fertilization. Current methods, such as point-scale sensors and destructive soil sampling, have limitations in terms of representativeness and spatial resolution. There is a growing demand for non-destructive, high-resolution subsurface sensing methods to monitor soil state variables at the field scale. Geophysical methods have shown potential for mapping soil properties and states, especially when combined with soil sensors. Soil sensors are able to provide a high-temporal resolution. These methods can provide insights into soil-plant continuum processes, including soil water content distribution and depletion patterns.

Main project activities

  • Synchronized field managed field trials in all three partner countries

  • Geophysical mapping and soil sensor network for multiple growing seasons under varying water regimes, soil erosion, extreme weather and water stress conditions

  • Development of an autonomous monitoring sensors

  • Development of guidelines and workflows

Expected social impact

AGROSOIL aims to enhance our understanding of soil processes, leading to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. It will develop new scientific and practical knowledge on agrogeophysical methods, contributing to more climate-resilient agricultural systems. The project focuses on non-destructive monitoring of soil processes, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture and preserving soil health. Guidelines for stakeholders will facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices. Emphasis is placed on reducing and using sustainable resources under extreme weather conditions. The project will contribute to effective strategies for managing water resources, reducing pollution, and optimizing nitrate application. A geophysical imaging tool will help optimize crop yields, improving food security. The expected social impact is a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector, better equipped to face climate change and ensure food security for future generations.

Implementation and plans to reach target groups

AGROSOIL intends to share findings with the academic community through scientific articles, presenting at conferences, and hosting webinars to engage with fellow researchers and scholars across disciplines. Industry stakeholders, such as farmers and agronomic consultants, shall be involved with workshops and seminars. The public will be reached through online profiles, the project website, and press releases. By implementing this comprehensive strategy, AGROSOIL aims to maximize research impact and foster meaningful stakeholder engagement. Through these efforts, the project seeks to raise awareness, ensure accessibility of findings, and promote collaboration and partnerships.

Partners of the project

  • Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany

    Lena Lärm

    • Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany

    • Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Uruguay

    • University College Dublin, IrelandWENG

    • Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt, Germany

    • National Institute of Agricultural Research, Uruguay

    • Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Marine (DAFM), Ireland