Catalogue of Services

Location

Spain

Arable farming

This service focuses on the evaluation and testing of variable input distribution technologies, such as seeders and fertiliser spreaders, at the Rabanales Experimental Farm. Through field tests, the service measures variability across plots and monitors crop yield with yield monitors. Satellite data complements these assessments, enabling the creation of zoning and crop prescription maps. These resources help optimise the operation of precision agriculture equipment and improve input efficiency under various ISO standards.

Desk assessment

Testing and Validating Crop Variability with Remote Sensing and Predictive Models

This service measures spatial variability in crops and plots through nearby and remote sensors, including electromagnetic probes, yield monitors, drones, and satellites. The data collected allows for the generation of zoning information and the validation of predictive models and digital agriculture systems, such as variable input distribution tools. By integrating environmental data, the service provides essential insights to improve decision support systems and optimize resource allocation in precision agriculture.

AI model training

Testing and validation of an AI-based NDVI detection algorithm in a pivot irrigation system

The evaluation process will encompass a comprehensive analysis of the entire parcel, concentrating on areas where the irrigation system distributes water. Zones with an NDVI below a specific threshold, identified via satellite imagery, will be highlighted. To obtain more granular data, drone flights equipped with LiDAR technology will be conducted, revealing areas of vegetation stress that may not be adequately detected by satellite imagery. The results from both systems will then be cross-referenced to assess irrigation efficiency accurately

Testing and validation of precision livestock farming solutions for grazing animals

Location

Spain

Livestock farming

This service supports the testing and validation of precision livestock management tools designed for grazing animals such as horses, cattle, and sheep. Conducted on collaborating research farms, the service evaluates hardware, firmware, and software components to confirm they meet manufacturer specifications. It includes direct observation of animal behaviour and performance, along with comparative analyses against similar tools. Clients receive actionable recommendations to address any detected limitations, enhancing the tool’s functionality and market viability in precision livestock farming.

Conformity assessment

Provision of datasets

Testing and Validation of Soil Sensors

The validation service would evaluate soil sensor precision by comparing real-time sensor readings with soil levels from lab-analysed samples collected nearby. Soil samples would be taken under various conditions to ensure a robust comparison, enabling a clear assessment of the sensors’ accuracy across different environments.

Testing and validation of the performance of predictive models based on nondestructive spectral sensor data (NIR and hyperspectral data).

This service validates the performance of multivariate predictive models that utilise nondestructive spectral sensor data, such as NIR and hyperspectral imaging. Through statistical and chemometric analysis, the service assesses model accuracy and provides recommendations for optimization. Clients benefit from access to a comprehensive software suite dedicated to chemometrics and statistical studies, as well as options for database transfer to adapt models across devices. The service also includes access to a large agri-food sample bank for model evaluation and refinement.

AI model training

Conformity assessment

People training

Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK)

Testing of edge intelligence and IoT architectures

Testing of AI and robotics solutions leveraging edge computing and communication protocols in the IoT cloud-edge continuum. Can be a digital test (run on virtualised machines) or a physical test deployed either at the customer's premises or using the wide coverage wireless network installed in Trento valleys (Val d'Adige and Val di Non) for fruit crops (including but not limited to apples and grapes). FBK can support test design, proposing a benchmarking architecture to stress and monitor key components, helping to understand bottlenecks, allowing for better performance, lower bandwidth use, more reliability, and lower operating costs of tested solutions.

Testing of Integration with Advanced Sensors for Agricultural Monitoring

This service provides the integration of advanced sensors into agricultural operations, enabling real-time monitoring of critical environmental factors such as soil moisture, temperature, and crop growth. By collecting accurate, real-time data, the service allows farmers and agribusinesses to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilisation, and other management tasks. The precise data helps optimise resource use and improve crop yields while reducing costs and environmental impact.

Provision of datasets

Testing or verification of the soil sample size needed for irrigation model recalibration

This service involves the testing or verification of the soil sample size needed for the recalibration of the model in intelligent irrigation systems. It includes physicochemical parameters of the soil, and variable distribution of water and supplies. Observations are systematic and cover different conditions and crops to verify model accuracy and the effectiveness of site-specific input distribution.

Testing the recalibration of irrigation model through soil moisture sample values, soil sensors, and crop management data

Irrigation models are validated using simulations based on various data sources, such as climatic and crop data. This ensures accurate water distribution, reduces waste, and enhances crop yields across diverse conditions. It includes physicochemical parameters of the soil, and variable distribution of water and supplies. Observations are systematic and cover different conditions and crops to verify model accuracy and the effectiveness of site-specific input distribution.

Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II

UAV-based remote sensing for supporting precision agriculture

The service specialises in designing test models of irrigation strategies using UAV thermal infrared imagery combined with remote sensing technology. These innovative models ensure accurate, metrologically valid monitoring of various crops and vegetation through image acquisition at different wavelengths. They provide critical insights for optimising irrigation practices by analysing the effects of factors like soil moisture, crop type, and weather conditions on plant health and water requirements.

Certification

Conformity assessment

UAV: Collection of test data during physical testing

This service facilitates the collection of test data during physical UAV-based testing, including data generated by the system under test, UAV sensors (e.g., hyperspectral, multispectral, thermal, and RGB), and ground truth data. It also ensures detailed documentation to support reproducibility, such as descriptions of logged features. This service is essential for clients who need precise and well-documented data for AI model training, validation, and robust agricultural research.

Provision of datasets