Doing the right thing

Food Science and TechnologyVolume 36, Issue 1 p. 33-35 FeaturesFree Access Doing the right thing First published: 13 March 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/fsat.3601_9.xAboutSectionsPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text full-text accessPlease review our Terms Conditions of Use check box below share version article.I have read accept Wiley Online Library UseShareable LinkUse link a this article with your friends colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Tamme van der Wal Wageningen University & Research discusses how precision farming can help improve agricultural productivity at same time reduce climate emissions. Agriculture is one larger contributors global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting for nearly 13.5 % total anthropogenic GHG At time, it few economic activities that actually remove CO2 from atmosphere therefore contribute change mitigation. Powered by solar radiation, natural growth vegetation takes water soil produce complex carbohydrates capture CO2. This carbon sink normally relatively short duration, as purpose agriculture deliver food biobased products are consumed hence, during process, released again. But some alterations practices, build up stock in soils preserve long term storage. Although lot these practices basically ‘common sense’, technology will enable farmers future make their daily decisions line storage goal while running an economically viable business. The also accomplish compliance documented evidence positive performance downstream processors. Precision introduction digital technologies on farms has triggered tsunami innovations, often dubbed farming, smart or etc. There not single definition, although common popular definition ‘Doing thing, place, resources’1. Digital now allow mainstream measure parameters were possible affordable determine previously. Figure displays diagrammatically incentive invest which proof compliance. Record keeping farm important enabler better benchmarking learning past performance. 1Open figure viewerPowerPoint How innovate management style uses data steer guide practices. Using GNSS (global navigation satellite systems), sensors, data, networked many more sources, apply knowledge optimise use resources manage grow crops. delivered suppliers but new players entering market cases disrupting way chains organised, instance supporting short-chain logistics. Certification, control standards organisations collect information process hence monitor government production chain regulations. available individual applications, effectiveness increases significantly when they used bundles, e.g. machine guidance, maps variable rate application. much practice than application specific technology. Farms adopt methods benefit different timing operations, inputs, align conditions efficiency resource – only land water, labour, machines capital. provides foundation modern whether mainstream, organic any other arrangement. It basis concept ‘carbon farming’, form regenerative focusing removal into soils. Technologies methodologies be summarised building blocks (Figure 2). Basically, feed loop observe analyse decide apply, then again if anticipated effect. farmer constantly balancing between yield optimum ecological climatic optimum. Data plays role making better, evidence-based decisions. For example, crop status, drone imagery, combination variables, such nitrogen content moisture, provide real about fertilise irrigate. models, calculate needs sub-field scale, preventing excess fertiliser leaking environment. 2Open Technology methodology (Paolini Helfteren et al, 20212). Benefits impact With proper algorithms equipment, N2O irrigation; adjusted tillage well timed manure compost soil. A no-brainer course improved guidance. Evidence provided reports over 20 years based guidance avoids overlaps nurturing thus fuel consumption 10-15%, directly translates lower Another direct increase resource-use-efficiency (RUE) result optimising nutrients, plant protection products, labour (fuel). RUE, less inputs reach productivity, higher productivity3. consideration environment goals always aligned. If choose refrain ploughing favour sequestration, find ways removing weeds (as major bury weeds). Mechanical weeding option, movements herbicides another alternative, chemicals strongly discouraged. However, may most effective option point view. Carbon Organisations (apparently) unavoidable gases been able compensate by, planting trees. farming’ enables create credits through negative 3). Marketplaces develop around world mediate credit buyers. Farmers enrolled rewarded creating become credits’ market. On hand, emitting buy marketplace achieve Net Zero ambitions. 3Open Graphical display creates tradeable storing atmospheric side shows scheme promotes sequestration involves acquisition system monitoring, reporting validation (MRV). current popularity led appreciation research processes carbon. Experiments evaluated Several literature reviews pros cons storage4 recent available. Key areas addressing terms its fate (both scale) below. Impact climate, broad trends clear, there still differences uncertainties stocks affected management. Also, accurate timelines field level difficult assess, computerized systems these. Designing appropriate verification (MRV) In particular must high reliability others pay credits. Current schemes rely sampling, expensive measurement. Besides costs, uncertainty sample analysis makes suitable monitoring. An integrated method remote sensing best both worlds. mixed, monitoring overcome issues spatial temporal variability Measurement supply decay Calculations predictions require good estimates amount supplied (crop residue, manure, compost) simulations helps, models quite data-hungry. Interactions carbon, nutrients Increasing benefits, interacts balance improving ‘sponge’ function Therefore, interactions quality should assessed. evaluate material essential farming. indicating physical chemical properties, cultivation recorded operators matter measurements, fields sequestration. As linked biology holding capacity, optimised parameters. Hence very so do things, things right. Future uptake choices respond variability, environmental impact. Whether absorb investments needed question size resilience. Despite clear benefits provide, insufficient incentives whole community present. studies reviewed adoption general conclusion lags behind expectations. Barnes al.5 suggest main reason so-called ‘high cost entry’ difficulties having convincing business case. Now, potential earn top value software, sensors equipment farm's performance, maintaining viability. Wal, Business Developer farmmaps, Agrosysteemkunde, Plant Sciences Group Research; CEO startup BioScope, actionable tools email [email protected];[email protected] REFERENCES 1Blackmore, S., Stout, B., Wang, M., Runov, B. 2005. Robotic - mechanisation. European conference agriculture. Google Scholar 2Paolini Van Helfteren, Abma, Brugelmann, R., Wal., T. 2021. Roadmap geospatial AeroVision/WUR report 3Barnes, A., Balafoutis, Beck, Vangeyte, J., Sanchez Fernandez, al. 2019. contribution mitigation EU (eds Soto Embodas, I., Gómez-Barbero, M.). EN Publications Office Union, Luxembourg. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2760/016263, JRC112505Google 4Smith, P., Soussana, J.F., Angers, D. measure, verify realize removal. Global Change Biology 26: 219-241. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14815Google 5Barnes, A.P., Soto, Eory, V. Exploring technologies: cross regional study farmers. Land Policy 80: 163-174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2018.10.004Google Volume36, Issue1March 2022Pages FiguresReferencesRelatedInformation