Safe wheat cultivation for sustainable agriculture (WHEATWATCHER)

Innovative sensor technologies and spectroscopic traceability for safe wheat cultivation and sustainable agriculture.

In the WHEATWATCHER project, Hahn-Schickard is developing innovative sensor platforms for soil and plant monitoring. The focus is on stationary and mobile systems as well as a mechatronic system with optical sensors for on-site measurement of soil nutrients (NPK). The aim is practical, sustainable agriculture.

In a world facing challenges like climate change and environmental degradation, ensuring security, sustainability, and food safety is crucial. Agriculture and food production are vital to public health and economic stability, yet conventional methods often lack integration. WHEATWATCHER bridges these gaps by combining soil health monitoring, plant assessment, and food traceability through an advanced digital soil monitoring system. It analyzes soil nutrition, chemical, and biological factors affecting wheat, from field to flour, across Europe. Engaging stakeholders such as farmers, mill proprietors, and policymakers, it aligns with practical needs. Leveraging sensor technologies, AI models, and automated mapping, WHEATWATCHER enhances efficiency and scalability. A Decision Support System and cloud platform ensure accessibility.

Hahn-Schickard leads WP2, developing and optimizing on-site sensor platforms for stationary and mobile applications to precisely assess soil and plant parameters. Additionally, Hahn-Schickard is developing a mechatronic system with optical sensors for in-field chemical extraction and measurement of soil nutrients (NPK).