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Technical University of Munich

Digital technologies for climate protection in agriculture

Research |

In a new project, researchers from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) and the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) are working on the practical testing and further development of digital humus and nutrient management systems. The “digiMan” project uses satellite-based data to support more efficient and climate-friendly agriculture. The project is being funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) with a sum of roughly 1.8 million euros.
A graph showing various yields on a field, in shades of green.
On agricultural land, yields vary from site to site,as shown in this graph
(Martin Mittermayer/TUM)

The joint project includes both practical testing and the further development of digital humus and nutrient management systems. The digiMan project aims to develop a practical management system that will help to reduce nitrate losses and nitrous oxide emissions, support humus formation and thus increase nitrogen efficiency in crop production. The results of the project should therefore reduce the climate and environmental impact of agriculture in the long term, while maintaining yield potential.

The research focuses on validating digital technologies based on field data. At the TUM's experimental farm in Thalhausen, three other future and demonstration farms and twenty agricultural enterprises, for example, satellite data on soil procurement will be validated by taking measurements on the ground to ensure the robustness and quality of the data. 

High-resolution and precise data collection

The digiMan project is characterized in particular by linking various analysis data in one management system. Spatially high-resolution soil data is combined with sensor and satellite data and linked with management and process data. This combination enables the system to be used on farms, in agricultural consulting, and at research institutes.

The project is led by Prof. Dr. Kurt-Jürgen Hülsbergen (Chair of Organic Agriculture and Agronomy). The TUM researchers involved in the project are responsible for satellite-based tasks within the project, such as modelling yield potential and site-specific nitrogen balancing and fertilization. 

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture supports the project as part of the research and innovation program “Climate Protection in Agriculture” with roughly 1.8 million euros. Funds from a grant from the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) are also being used to provide the technologies.

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