In the spring of 2021, Belgium launched a large-scale scientific project aimed at obtaining information on the development and quality of potatoes in extreme weather conditions. Remote sensing was used for observations. As part of the project, around 500 smart sensors were installed in 295 potato fields in Flanders.
Measurements from potato fields are stored on an online platform that combines remote sensing data with field data using big data analysis and machine learning to provide growers with more complete information.
The inexpensive sensors and probes used in the project allow very accurate measurements. Belgian farmers can easily access soil moisture and temperature data, as well as available satellite imagery, rainfall and temperature data.
VITO Program Manager and Team Leader Bart Derond on his blog discusses meteorological observations, sensor measurements in potato fields, and the impact of extreme weather on potato production in real time.
After the harvest is complete, all sensors will be collected, and the data will be analyzed in detail. Soil temperature and moisture will be compared with satellite data, meteorological observations and soil analyzes
The first results of this analysis are expected to be published as early as December 2021.
