Innovation in Polish agriculture

European Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas

Title of the operation: Scan Spectrum - innovation in Polish agriculture

The project is co-financed by the European Union under the ‘Cooperation’ measure of the

Rural Development Programme 2014-2020

Contract number: 00080.DDD.6509.00282.2022.03

Budget of the operation: PLN 6,642,692.78

Grant amount: PLN 5 080 975.00, including EAFRD funds of PLN 3 233 024.29, national public funds of PLN 1 847 950.61.

Blooming Measurement Campaigns

5/15/2024

  • We are continuing intensive field research, facing the challenges brought by the accelerated growth of crops compared to last year. Higher temperatures and longer periods of sunshine have led to faster development phases for wheat and rapeseed, which required our team to intensify measurement campaigns and adjust the schedule to the changing conditions. Thanks to our experience and a well-prepared action plan, we have been able to respond to these changes, conducting measurements according to BBCH phases and collecting valuable data at critical stages of crop growth. The climate variability we are experiencing makes monitoring solutions, such as ScanSpectrum, invaluable. In the face of increasingly unpredictable weather conditions, more precise harvest timing predictions and targeted fertilization will not only be desirable but essential for effective crop management every season.

In times of climate change, we need to act quickly

4/12/2024

  • This year, wheat and rapeseed are undergoing vegetative growth differently than in the previous season, likely due to changing climate conditions. Higher temperatures and longer periods of sunlight have caused the plants to develop faster than usual. Despite these unpredictable changes, our team was prepared. Thanks to our experience and well-developed action plan, we managed to adapt to the new conditions. We conducted the first measurement campaigns according to the pre-prepared BBCH phase schedule, allowing us to collect valuable data at key stages of plant development. Our flexibility and readiness for climate changes enabled us to maintain high-quality research. The collected data will be crucial for further optimizing fertilization this season and managing the crops. The accelerated growth of the plants posed a challenge, but thanks to our dedication and preparation, we managed to effectively overcome it.

We have completed the third stage of the project!

1/1/2024

  • We have completed the third phase of the operation and submitted the payment request. In this phase, we achieved all set goals, giving us confidence that we will complete the necessary analyses before the next measurement season begins. We conducted detailed surveys among farmers, focusing on data presentation and the UX/UI of the entire system that translates measurement data into fertilizer recommendations. The pilot production allowed us to present the default version of the device to potential customers. They evaluated the implemented improvements suggested in previous stages and the latest system functionalities and prototype versions of the fertilization maps. Thanks to the consortium collaboration and interviews with farmers, we managed to tailor our solution to the actual needs of users. The device has become easier to use and shows significantly fewer errors during data collection. Spatial data analyses have provided interesting insights into fertilization levels and their impact on the final yield. In the upcoming season, we plan to implement more varied fertilization strategies based on this season's findings to maximize nitrogen and dry matter content in the plants and strengthen our computational models.

We have completed the second stage of the project!

10/1/2023

  • We have completed the second phase of the operation and submitted the payment request. We invite you to learn more about the upcoming updates! The second phase of the project allowed us to organize and conduct preliminary analyses of the data, build the first machine learning models, and improve the ScanSpectrum device and the measurement process itself. The developed solutions will be tested with potential customers to better meet their needs and refine them in the third phase of the project.

Latest Measurement Campaigns

7/10/2023

  • We are commencing the final measurement campaign for the 2022/23 season, which includes the seventh measurement campaign for wheat, rapeseed, maize, and barley. This is a crucial moment during which we will conduct detailed studies of plants collected from areas of 2 x 1 m². Our research covers a variety of parameters, such as the number of plants, ears, TKW (thousand kernel weight), and many other important characteristics. The measurement procedure will be carefully conducted, and the obtained data will enable us to understand even more precisely the development of wheat, barley, and rapeseed in the cultivated field. We analyze not only the nutritional status of the plants but also aspects related to yield and plant structure, which are crucial for the final assessment of the effectiveness of the applied fertilizers. Collaboration with farmers, consortium members, and the research team ensures the success of efficiently conducting the studies. Every participant involved plays a crucial role in obtaining comprehensive and reliable data. After collecting data from the last measurement campaign, we will proceed to analyze the results from all seven campaigns. This will allow us to assess the effectiveness of the applied growth regulators and any changes in plant development over the entire research period. Our ultimate goal is not only to understand the growth processes of wheat, barley, and rapeseed but also to develop effective strategies to control their development through optimized fertilization. The last measurement campaign is a key step before the 2023 harvest, and we hope that the weather will be favorable and that all activities will proceed smoothly, allowing us to draw conclusions and further improve agricultural practices.

We have completed the first stage of the project!

6/1/2023

  • We have completed the first stage of the operation and submitted a payment application. Stay tuned for more information!

The first measurement campaigns in wheat and rapeseed crops

3/1/2023

  • We are starting the first measurement campaigns in wheat and rapeseed crops to determine the nutrient supply to the plants. At the beginning of the research process, measurement zones were determined on which data necessary for further analysis and processing were collected. The zones were selected with the help of satellite imagery and based on measurements of soils and their types. The points were chosen so that the research was carried out for the most diverse growing conditions possible. Measurements were made of plant density per 1 m2. In each of the separated areas, 15 plants were selected for testing with the QED spectrophotometer and reference equipment. On each plant, one measurement will be made on the youngest leaf of the plant which will allow us to collect a sufficiently broad and representative database for the plants regarding their spectral response. Then, after the measurement campaign is completed, we will proceed with the preparation of plant samples, which will be sent to the district chemical and agricultural station. There, detailed analyses will be carried out, including nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and plant dry weight. These parameters are key to understanding the nutritional status of the plants and the nutrients available in the soil. Sending samples to the chemical-agricultural station will enable us to obtain detailed laboratory data that will form the basis for further analysis. The results obtained will allow us to assess the value of the correlation coefficient, which is responsible for the quality of the fit between the model under test and the data obtained from the laboratory. This comprehensive approach allows us not only to analyze laboratory data, but also to take into account environmental conditions and differences in plant development in the area of the crop field.

We have completed the fourth stage of the project!

5/1/2024

  • We have completed the fourth stage of the project and submitted a payment request, achieving all set goals and implementing solutions that account for greater soil variability at selected points based on conducted studies and fertilization guidelines. During this stage, we improved digital models for plant parameter analysis and developed measurement equipment software, enabling us to prepare preliminary fertilization maps for the upcoming growing season. We conducted comparisons between sensor data and laboratory results, as well as detailed studies of soil nitrogen levels. 

Start of the 2024 measurement season

3/6/2024

  • Due to the dynamically changing climate conditions and our experimental plan, we conducted the first measurement campaign for winter crops at the beginning of March. This season, we intend to focus on a greater number of measurements during the early developmental stages of the plants. Our goal is not only to expand the measurement range but also to increase the precision of determining plant nitrogen levels, even before the first nitrogen fertilization dates. With measurements taken in the early growth stages, farmers will be able to generate precise fertilization maps. This will allow for the optimization of the first spring fertilization, reduction of costs, and increased environmental sustainability of the farm. Measurements made in the early stages allow us to test the prototype of the application for producing fertilizer maps and make a presentation for farmers. This is a unique opportunity to test the system in practice and further adapt it to your needs.

ScanSpectrum pilot production

12/20/2023

  • Since the start of the project, many improvements have been made. The device enclosures, produced through injection molding using equipment purchased with the help of the Rural Development Program, are much more stable and consistent compared to the previous solution. The aesthetics of the design were also appreciated by farmers during the presentations. The enhanced sensor module has expanded the measurement range and power of the device, while also reducing measurement time. Numerous improvements to the user interface have been made based on continuous feedback from researchers and the farmers using the ScanSpectrum prototypes. Such practices increase the reliability of the solution and subsequent customer satisfaction. In the next research season, devices from the pilot series will be used.

Summary of the 2023 season

9/1/2023

  • The conclusion of this year's research campaigns and harvest marks a moment of reflection on the experiences gained. The research projects provided valuable insights into the growth of wheat and rapeseed, enabling a better understanding of cultivation processes. However, the 2023 harvest reminded us of the unpredictability of weather conditions, teaching us humility in the face of nature. In the face of challenges posed by frequent rainfall, our team demonstrated flexibility, adjusting the work schedule to the changing weather conditions. Despite these difficulties, we managed to harvest all the crops from the fields, avoiding losses related to sprouting. This year's experiences showed that research plans and agricultural work can be influenced by factors beyond our control. Yet, thanks to the team's determination and adaptability, we successfully conducted the research and completed the harvest. The conclusions drawn from this year provide valuable guidance for future research projects and agricultural practices. They include the need for flexibility in planning and the necessity of continuously adjusting strategies to changing weather conditions. This year's experiences lay the foundation for further actions, guiding us towards increasingly efficient and sustainable crop cultivation.

Field work continues!

6/30/2023

  • During the fifth and sixth measurement campaigns, encompassing the cultivation of wheat, arley, maize, and rapeseed, we continue our research with the same dedication and precision as in previous campaigns. We start by measuring the plants using spectrophotometers in both wheat and rapeseed areas, allowing us to obtain precise data on nitrogen content variability in the surveyed area. Alongside the measurement process, we proceed to collect plant samples at designated points in the field. This process remains carefully and efficiently coordinated, involving the research team and farmers engaged in the project. The carefully packed samples are then sent to the Regional Chemical and Agricultural Station, where comprehensive laboratory analyses are conducted. In the laboratories of the chemical and agricultural station, parameters such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and dry matter content are analyzed. These detailed data are crucial for understanding plant nutrition, and comparing the results from different measurement campaigns allows us to monitor potential changes in response to applied fertilization or other factors affecting the crops of all plant species. Collaboration between consortium members, researchers, and farmers plays a key role in efficiently conducting the research work. The commitment of all parties enables the effective execution of the measurement campaign and the collection of valuable data. Our research aims not only to understand the differences in the development of these plants but also to improve optimal fertilization strategies. Further analysis of the results from the fifth and sixth measurement campaigns will form the basis for potential adjustments and optimizations in the subsequent stages of the project.

More field work

5/2/2023

  • During the second and third measurement campaigns in wheat, rapeseed, corn and barley crops, our research focused on accurately monitoring plant development. Regular observation of vegetation made it possible to establish precise dates for plant intake, so as to meet the experiment's conditions of measuring plants at evenly spaced BBCH growth stages. Similar to the previous step. The first step is to measure the plants with spectrophotometers, which allows us to obtain precise data on changes in the spectral response of the leaves depending on the developmental stage. After taking measurements, we proceeded to take plant samples at designated points in the field. The samples were then carefully packaged and sent to the District Chemical and Agricultural Station for detailed laboratory analysis. The station's laboratories measure the nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and dry matter content of the plants. These parameters are key to understanding the nutritional status of the plants and their overall condition during the measurement campaigns. These activities are a continuation of our previous research, and the results from the second and third measurement campaigns will be compared with the data from the first campaign. This will enable us to analyze possible changes in plant development in response to applied fertilization and other crop factors. Effective cooperation with the research team and precise sampling activities and transfer of samples to the chemical and agricultural station are key to the effectiveness of the study. We aim to obtain comprehensive data that will allow us to better understand the growth processes of wheat, rapeseed, corn and barley and optimize strategies for controlling their development.

ScanSpectrum - innovation in Polish agriculture

1/1/2023

  • We are starting a new year and with it the Scan Spectrum project - an innovation in Polish agriculture. Follow us!

Precise planning - precise results.

2/12/2024

  • Preparations for the next measurement season are in full swing! Points have been designated on the agricultural fields, and fertilizer doses have been determined based on soil measurements from this and previous years, as well as plant analysis data from the previous season. We have also established a new sampling schedule for specific developmental phases. The collected data will allow us to conduct a detailed analysis of nitrogen cycling in our fields, leading to a better understanding of the cultivation process and the interpretation of spectrometer results. The precisely planned experiment will enable us to obtain a wide range of data on nitrogen and dry matter in plants.

Data analysis 2023 - success and plans for the future.

11/15/2023

  • Data analyses from the first season of the experiment clearly show that the design assumptions of ScanSpectrum are achievable. The correlation indices of the spectral data from the device compared to the chemical laboratory data are at a high level, and the obtained accuracy in determining nitrogen and dry matter is acceptable in the agricultural industry. However, the models need to be strengthened with new data from the next measurement season to achieve even higher accuracy and a broader measurement range. Thanks to detailed analysis, the research team can better prepare for the next season, establish specific fertilization doses at designated points, and optimize the research plan.

Harvest 2023!

7/14/2023

  • We are commencing the 2023 harvest, and we already know it won't be easy. The weather this season is exceptionally fickle, forcing us to be more flexible and prepared for surprises. The forecasts are not promising – we expect heavy rainfall, which could significantly hinder our work. Despite these difficulties, our team is ready to act. We know that every moment of good weather is priceless, so we will strive to make the most of every weather window to conduct the harvest efficiently. Quick responses to changing atmospheric conditions are crucial. Frequent rains make the ground soft and difficult to work with, affecting the efficiency of agricultural machinery that struggles to move through muddy terrain. Additionally, high grain moisture presents another challenge – wet grain is harder to harvest, store, and process further, which can impact the quality of the crops and extend the entire harvest process. Our actions need to be well-planned to minimize losses and make efficient use of the available time. We monitor forecasts and adjust plans to the current situation. It is also important to ensure proper moisture control and storage of the harvested crops to avoid quality issues later on. Despite numerous difficulties, our team remains hopeful and committed. We are prepared for the challenges of this season and believe that through joint effort and appropriate strategies, we will achieve our goals. We want each working day to bring the best possible results, despite the unfavorable weather conditions we have to face.

Continuation of research

6/15/2023

  • During our ongoing fourth crop measurement campaign, we are continuing our research, focusing on accurately monitoring plant development in order to obtain comprehensive data on crop condition. We begin by measuring plants with spectrophotometers, which allows us to obtain precise data on the variation of the spectral response at different developmental stages as well as in a given area. Once the measurements are completed, we proceed to prepare the collected plant samples at designated points in the field. This process is closely coordinated to ensure representative samples, which are then carefully packaged and sent to the District Chemical and Agricultural Station. At the station's laboratories, detailed analyses are carried out, including measuring the nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and dry matter content of the crop. Effective cooperation with the research team and diligence in the sampling and shipping process are key to the effectiveness of the study. With this approach, we can obtain accurate and reliable laboratory results that will form the basis for further analysis. Continuing the study of nutrient and dry matter content in plants as part of the fourth measurement campaign allows us to monitor any changes compared to data from previous studies. As the project progresses, we will analyze the effects of applied fertilizer and other factors on plant development. The goal of the project remains the development of an improved technological and organizational innovation in plant research and the translation of results into precision in fertilizer use and optimization of the plant development environment using technology. Our research covers a variety of aspects, and the results from the fourth measurement campaign will be key to moving forward and improving strategies for controlling crop development.

The first measurement campaigns in barley and corn

4/2/2023

  • We are launching the first measurement campaign in barley and corn crops, focusing on accurately monitoring and controlling plant development. The first step is to measure plants with spectrophotometers to collect representative data from live plants, as will be done in a real-world environment once the solution is fully commercialized. Once the measurements are complete, we will proceed to take plant samples, which will be sent to the District Chemical and Agricultural Station. The station's laboratories will carry out detailed analyses including nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and plant dry weight. These parameters are key to understanding the nutritional status of the plants and their overall condition. Thanks to an efficient research team, the entire process is being carried out successfully and at the appropriate level of accuracy. Cooperation between scientists, laboratory technicians and sampling personnel is crucial for a successful measurement campaign. Adequate rigor in the collection and storage of samples is a guarantee that representative results will be obtained, with each measurement campaign we must follow the same principles of crop collection, which we ensure by training the research staff each time, based on previously prepared instructions. During the next stages of the project, we will focus on achieving the goals associated with the current research phase, aiming to develop effective methods for crop control using a portable spectrophotometer. Our goal is to minimize losses and increase crop efficiency by using precise tools and strategies tailored to the specific plant species.

Project Summary

The purpose of the operation is to develop improved organizational and technological innovations in the field of plant research and translation of the results into precision in the use of fertilizers and optimization of the plant development environment. The operation will produce a measuring device that will collect data on plant nitrogen abundance, plant moisture and stress index based on spectrophotometry technique. A solution will be produced that will allow automatic generation of maps for precise fertilization on the basis of the corrected nitrogen demand index of plants. In addition, with the help of the innovation, it will be possible to collect data such as plant moisture and the amount of dry matter, allowing to determine the optimal date for harvesting corn for silage.

Activities Description

The project will be carried out in 5 stages. Each member of the consortium will carry out a series of activities leading to the creation of innovations as a result of research and development work. The main tasks will include support for plant sampling and subsequent analysis, conducting appropriate agrotechnology and internal cooperation, as well as the purchase of the necessary equipment and machinery to carry out the operation. The consortium members undertake to implement the project in accordance with its methodology and objectives.

Project Summary

The need for the implementation of the operation is justified by the results of scientific research within the meaning of Article 4. Paragraph 2 of the Law of July 20, 2018 Law on Higher Education and Science. Scientific research clearly indicates the need for solutions to determine the supply of nutrients to plants, which makes it possible to adjust the agrotechnical treatments carried out to the current needs of crops and, as a result, achieve optimal yields. In this regard, the ability to determine the abundance of nitrogen in the plant under study is crucial, in addition to determining the amount of water in the plant and the potential occurrence of stresses in the plant. The implementation of equipment with specific analytical capabilities can have a significant impact on reducing pollution caused by unabsorbed excess nutrients used in fertilizers. The measurements obtained will be able to be used to create maps used for precise fertilization.

The planned operation is very much in line with the Common Agricultural Policy in terms of competitive, low-carbon, climate-friendly and climate-resilient solutions by focusing on the generation of innovations related to the creation and improvement of technological and organizational innovations centered around the optimization of the basic resources used in agriculture and shaping yields - fertilizers and water. Optimization of resources has many positive effects, both for the farmer and the economy as a whole - fertilizers are applied only as much as they are needed, which reduces financial costs for the farmer and non-financial environmental costs. As a result, the same amount of agricultural crops can be obtained while using fewer resources to produce them. Optimal use of resources is part of the concept of sustainable agriculture.

Mistakes made during silage production cannot be corrected later, so appropriate measures must be carried out at every stage of production, including during harvesting. Thus, the innovation that is the subject of the operation can contribute to increasing the profitability of farms while reducing their negative impact on the environment. It will also allow harmonious use of the resources on which agriculture depends.

Additional information

As a result of the research, algorithms will be developed to significantly improve the efficiency of precision agriculture.

The algorithms will make it possible to create fertilization maps and control the amount of dry matter in corn. They can be used in decision support systems or ERP systems used on large farms. In addition to their scientific value, the algorithms can be used in many private entities. In the face of tightening fertilizer policies, they will positively influence the reduction of nitrogen fertilizers used. The algorithms will also affect the quality of forage produced on farms by allowing the timing of corn harvest to be determined based on dry matter content. The assumptions will have a positive impact on the economic ranges of the farm, due to the reduction of costs associated with selecting the appropriate amount of fertilizer used to fertilize the crop, and will assist farms producing corn silage. The application will be designed to assist the user in deciding when to harvest corn based on determining the appropriate dry matter ratio in the plant. The algorithms will find their use with manufacturers of fertilizer spreaders and agricultural machinery equipped with terminals. This could be an important boost for Polish manufacturers of agricultural machinery and the development of precision farming, as many of them are just entering the stage of offering machinery based on precision farming systems, and the demand for such solutions is growing rapidly.

Benefits

The operation is expected to result in the implementation of improved innovations in technology, and methods of organization. The main benefit of the operation will be the ability for agricultural producers to use maps for precision fertilization. Producers will also be able to manage processes related to corn silage production with a digital approach.

The main benefits for end users are reduced production costs, reduced management costs, reduced environmental costs (fertilizer use and greenhouse gas emissions) and increased marketing positioning. The totality of these activities translates into increased levels of innovation in the agricultural industry in Poland and increased levels of environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

Expected results

Implementation of the operation will culminate in the development of a practical digital solution that can be successfully applied by the farmer. Digitization of agricultural processes carries the potential to increase farm productivity, while affecting the sustainability of the agricultural sector both economically and ecologically. They are based on data sets that are processed for the purposes required on the farm. The operation includes the creation of a measuring device to read the nitrogen index corrected for the plant's stress index and moisture level. On the basis of the index, it will be possible to create precise maps that the farmer will be able to use when implementing precise agrotechnical measures. This will be a digital solution that will allow the farmer, among other things, to apply the optimal dose of fertilizer.

The measuring apparatus that is the subject of the operation will make it possible to determine the optimal date for harvesting corn for silage.to-use and familiar elements. Therefore, special attention will be paid to the field of user experience (UX). Thanks to the use of digital form, the data will be mobile and the costs of implementation on the farm will be low. The use of a digital solution in the form of maps will allow the farmer using it to optimize the use of fertilizers and maximize yields while maintaining high quality products. The use of the optimal dose of fertilizer will translate directly into the economic result of farms.r plant moisture data, among other things. As a result, the farmer will have precise plant nutrition data in the form of a map. By using a digital solution to support the process of managing the corn silage harvest, the farmer will be able to achieve greater benefits in yield efficiency as well as protein content of the silage feedstock, which will affect the profitability of the crop.

Justification of the need to implement the project

The implementation of the operation is extremely important from the point of view of the development of precision farming in Poland. The market of digital services for agriculture should grow at a rate of over 13% annually, being the fastest growing branch of the agri-food industry. Modern agriculture relies heavily on modern machinery. Agrotechnical treatments, including fertilization, have long been mechanized, but continuous technical progress allows for increasing the accuracy of fertilizer application. Thanks to the electronics in the machines, the autonomy of treatments becomes very high and farmers can thus improve the profitability of production, thus increasing its scale and reducing the production inputs per unit of yield. An essential element for determining the doses of fertilizers is to determine the soil fertility and the nutritional status of plants (Walczykova 20212). With the increase of the field area, the costs of diagnostics increase, because modern equipment for sampling and fertilizer application is needed (Carter and Gregorich 2008). The methods used so far may mean a deterioration in the accuracy of the obtained result, which is why they should give way to new technologies such as a mobile spectrophotometer, leaf color scanners, aerial analysis of soil types.

Thanks to these devices, it is possible to precisely determine the minimum number of samples and their location based on the variability of soil fertility in the field. The need to implement the project is based on two pillars - the requirements to reduce the use of fertilizers and plant protection products in agricultural production, which results from the Farm to Fork policy under the Green Deal - European farmers are obliged to reduce the amount of fertilizers and pesticides used by 50% by 2030. Reducing the resources used while maintaining the correct level of production requires a detailed, precise approach to the management of agricultural production and the selection of the dose of fertilizer, which will be facilitated by the innovations created under the application. One of the Green Deal programs is the Horizon Europe programme, whose mission in the field of soil health and food is to develop solutions to restore soil health and function. The acquired knowledge and innovations are also to contribute to the scale-up of agroecological approaches in primary production in the field of agroecology. The effect of these actions is to reduce the use of pesticides, fertilizers and antimicrobials. As part of program development.

The Commission is working with Member States to strengthen the role of the European Innovation Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (EIP-AGRI) in the Strategic Plans. Ideas for precise fertilization and environmental protection are the result of market research and consultations with many farmers, entrepreneurs and corporations. Also, scientific publications on water pollution, with an emphasis on nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural sources, and directions of activities for their protection, may be the basis for justifying the need to carry out operations related to investments in the creation of new or improvement of existing precision farming solutions. This was presented in a presentation prepared by dr hab. Stefan Pietrzak: “Conducting activities aimed at protecting water against pollution with nutrients dispersed from agricultural sources, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, is a formal and legal obligation in Poland, and is also a real need. In the formal and legal order, the requirement to conduct activities in this area results in particular from such documents as: Nitrates Directive; the water framework directive; Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Helsinki Convention.”

Environmental protection is currently one of the priorities of EU policy and one of the most important challenges. The principles of environmental protection and care for the condition of public goods are increasingly required by law. With regard to agricultural activity, there are also requirements regarding the functioning of farms (cross-compliance). The project results from the need to reduce environmental pollution with the excess of nitrogen fertilizers used, reduce CO2 emissions to the environment and optimize the costs associated with incorrectly selected fertilizer doses and the resulting side effects.

Developing the main goal and specific goals

The main objective of the operation is to produce improved organizational innovations and technology in the field of plant research and the translation of results on the precision of the use of fertilizers and the optimization of the plant development environment. As part of the operation, measuring equipment will be manufactured, which, based on the spectrophotometry technique, will collect data on the nitrogen content of plants, plant moisture and stress index. Unlike the equipment currently available on the market, this device will transmit information and collect data to the cloud due to direct connection to a mobile device. Thanks to this, it will be possible to read the corrected nitrogen indicator o stress and moisture index of the plant during its vegetation without the need for analog data recording. A solution will be developed to automatically generate maps for precise fertilization based on the corrected rate of plant nitrogen demand. These maps will be used in machine terminals adapted to analyze digital data in order to apply precise doses of fertilizers. In addition, using the apparatus, it will be possible to collect data such as plant moisture and the amount of dry matter, to determine the optimum date for maize harvest for silage. The main objective is to translate into improved farm performance in terms of production profitability, increase environmental protection and climate change mitigation as well as support production high-quality forage on the farm.

The specific goals are to create a solution that allows you to create maps of the condition of plants, maps of nitrogen content in plants, automatic generation of maps of fertilization needs and humidity, improving the effectiveness of the fertilization process, innovations consisting in improving the determination maize harvest dates for silage. The qualitative change can be verified by the ability to automatically create a map of plant moisture and fertilization needs on the basis of data obtained non-invasively from the plant. These maps will be used in such devices such as a fertilizer spreader or a tractor with a terminal that allows you to process digital data using a divided fertilization dose. This will have a significant impact on reduction of fertilizer doses and equalization of yield in terms of quality. Having maps of the health of the plants will also allow you to pay attention to parts of the field which differ in properties from the rest of the field. Thanks to this, the farmer can take action to improve soil fertility conditions in the selected part of the field. By carrying out the measurements, the user receives the results allowing the selection of the appropriate date for harvesting maize for silage, based on the content dry matter in the plant. This will translate into improving the silage process and improving properties quality feed. The device will allow us to carry out these tests without having to taking samples for weighing or delivery to the laboratory. QED will provide the final result, which will be saved in a form that allows saving directly to the cloud, thanks to which the user will have a ready database of results available on his device, with the possibility of downloading them for processing or sharing.

Improved technological innovation concerns: fertilization, determination of corn dry matter and technical development of the tool. Distinctive qualitative features this innovation will be new or improved data calibration coefficients for crops, new calibration factors for n-testers currently available on the market, new or improved technological solutions in the form of tools for measuring plant parameters. Finally, a tool will be created that will give us the ability to create fertilization maps using improved calibration indicators and measurement data. The device will also allow you to obtain data on the dry matter content of corn. These data will be used on farms producing maize silage. All data collected during tests with the QED device are transferred directly to the cloud. On the market, only the Multispeq fluorimeter can transmit data via bluetooth. Thanks to the USB connection, QED can provide high speed spectral data transfer and compatibility even with older devices. The device will be used without having to stop testing due to external power supply. Most competing products have built-in cells that require charging, which makes measurements impossible. In the case of QED, we will be able to connect more energy banks and continue research without the risk of losing previous results. All the features contained in the QED device are intended to make the user finally able to reduce the costs associated with nitrogen fertilization of your crops, which will translate into improvement of farm economics and will have an impact on limiting leakage excess fertilizers into the environment. The device will also allow you to increase the properties silage, which will translate into better economic results of the farm.

In conclusion, the technological innovation is based on the creation of a handheld operating device on improved correction factors for an improved way of reading the nitrogen content and water in the plant based on a trained set of spectral data. In practice, this means that the tool will be created together with the measurement software allowing for free measurement of plants and export of read data to mobile devices and cloud in a much more process- and cost-effective way compared to existing tools. The tool will have the following features and functionalities: non-invasive measurements on the plant, the ability to automatically store data, the ability to read many parameters with one device, ease of use combined with a small size of the device and minimizing operator error with spectrophotometric measurements.

Improved organizational innovation consists in improving the organization of fertilization processes and fodder production. Currently available on the market devices for testing nitrogen content, are not able to guarantee the direct creation of a fertilizer map for a given plot with the possibility use it in machines adapted to given solutions, such as: fertilizer spreader or a tractor with a terminal. Maps will be created based on the results of the tested plants, which will minimize the use of fertilizer, thus maximizing production efficiency. This tool will function using a mobile device that will be its own direct power source. The connection via the USB port will guarantee fast transfer data directly to a chosen cloud location, eliminating the need for manual recording results as well as there is no need to export data from the device to a computer, QED is the only such device on the market in this aspect. The device enables the farmer to investigate a representative sample of leaves in the same way as is done to study their chemical composition, without the need to take samples to the laboratory. Maintaining regularity in monitoring fields allows not only to estimate precise fertilization doses but also allows us determine the occurrence of plant stresses such as: water stress, diseases or light stress. Early diagnosis of the occurrence of stresses will allow us to focus on examining the exposed parts crops and take actions adequate to the existing needs. In addition, the device stands out the ability to determine the dry matter content in a maize plant. The test results will be had a significant impact on making decisions regarding the date of plant harvest in when the dry matter ratio in the plant is optimal. This will translate into improvement the quality of chaff ensilage in silos and will allow for obtaining very good fodder nutritional properties. Thus, the device becomes the only portable technology on the market helping in making decisions regarding the harvest of maize for silage at the right stage. This has a significant impact on increasing the nutritional properties of the feed and the efficiency of the farm. This innovation will allow the user to increase organizational and decision-making effects in on his farm by setting fertilization doses defined for specific areas of demand by the plants as well as determine the optimal harvest dates for maize for silage.