Integration of local knowledge for smart farming with satellite and drone images

Purpose and goal:

The project goal of creating an app-integrated and mobile-connected spectrometer with probes for physico-chemical soil sampling has been achieved. Successful field trials were carried out during the summer of 2021. The market for better knowledge of soils is broad and includes smart farming, AgTech for climate-smart and regenerative management, research and education.

In the noise of startups and technologies that are now being launched, demonstrations in a relevant environment are required to validate value propositions; the new version we have developed makes this possible. Expected results and effects:

The project has led to a prototype handheld and mobile-connected spectrometer, including probes for soil moisture and pH, and associated app ready for scaled-up tests. In addition to the problem that the light source depends on the battery´s charge, both the hardware and the app work stably. A new version has been developed which provides more stable light intensity and which is also more robust and easier to produce.

This enables smaller series production, tests and demonstrations on a larger scale and thus the opportunity to more easily reach potential partners and customers. Approach and implementation:

The project was carried out May-September 2021. The spectrometer and the app were developed in parallel during May to July. In July, two students tested the integrated hard- and software in the field for a week.

After field sampling, both hardware and software are updated; samples taken from the field are analyzed in the lab; various combinations of light sources and spectral sensors were tested and evaluated. The system was demonstrated to potential partners and customers. The integrated system has worked beyond expectations, reaching partners and customers has been more difficult.