Activities

4.3. Digitisation of agricultural crops for conversion into CO2 sequestrators

Accurate and digital monitoring of the different parameters of crops and agricultural activities through appropriate sensorisation makes it possible to optimise processes and decision-making. It would also allow the traceability of their environmental impacts, as well as their quantification, with CO2 footprint, water footprint, diffuse pollution footprint, etc.

Agricultural activities can be considered as a source of carbon sequestration (soil, trees, etc.) and fixation of people in low-density territories. To do this, it is necessary to understand the ‘trade offs’ associated with these types of activity and to make the appropriate balance.

This action proposes to monitor different plots as a preliminary point for satellite calibration. Plots of 3 types of pasture (natural, biodiverse rich in leguminous plants and biodiverse rich in grasses), fruit trees (fig and almond trees, intensive and super-intensive) and olive groves will be studied. 

A historical series of the texture and structure of the plots will be elaborated by satellite (optical and radar satellites). A soil analysis will be carried out, with measurement of electrical conductivity, humidity and temperature at different depths, evaluation of biomass production on 4 dates (autumn, winter, early and late spring) to understand the impact of each crop on the environmental footprint, and a calculation of the carbon stocks; with these data, a modelling of the relationships between the satellites and the carbon stocks will be carried out and the models will be validated in other areas not sampled.

Thanks to the database generated in action 4.1 and 4.2, it will be possible, with tested/developed algorithms and sensorisation, to contribute with concrete data on carbon sequestration, and thus to act for the benefit of soil, water, plants and animals.    

Lead: UEVORA
Participants: CICYTEX, INIAV, SFCOLAB

 

 

The work carried out within the scope of this action has been disseminated in:

• XVIII Congreso Nacional de Ciencias Hortícolas SECH Valencia, 9-12 June 2025
• XIII Congresso Ibérico de AgroEngenharia Coimbra, 21-23 July 2025