Hans Eisenmann Academy: Precision Farming in Research and Agricultural Practice

Soil is heterogeneous, the levels of different nutrients such as nitrogen and carbon vary greatly - and this on a very small area. However, arable fields are predominantly cultivated uniformly. This results in fluctuating yields depending on the soil region and the type of crop grown. Prof. Kurt-Jürgen Hülsbergen's research at the Chair of Organic Farming and Agronomy (linked page available in German, only) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) includes digital methods for recording site-specific yields and the plant cultivation principles for site-specific fertilization.

YieldXperts

In light of this research, the start-up YieldXperts was created. YieldXperts uses satellite-based remote sensing analyses to record plant-specific biomass, yield and environmental impact. The start-up works in collaboration with the Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf (HSWT). Prof. Franz Leßke from the Faculty of Bioengineering at HSWT explains: “In YieldXperts, computer science plays an important role in many areas: pre-processing, data analysis and evaluation. It is also integrated into the products, for example, in evaluating the nutrient management software algorithms.”

The start-up aims to offer cost-effective technologies for agriculture and drinking water protection. In this way, the causes of yield differences can be determined, and yields can be modeled. In addition, satellite-based data collection is intended to contribute to water protection management by identifying nitrate risk areas. “We use satellite data because it is particularly cost-effective and scalable,” explains Dr. Martin Mittermayer, co-founder of YieldXperts.

Management recommendations and yield modelling 

By detailed analysis of arable land, targeted management recommendations can be developed together with the farmers. Martin Mittermayer explains: “Small-scale differences in yields can be caused by variable soil properties, but also by management measures such as the previous use of the land. Our analyses enable us to identify these high- and low-yield zones and then specifically enrich the humus in low-yield zones.”

In addition to soil properties and management history, the type of crop grown is also a decisive factor in yield modeling. The strength of satellite data is evident here: “Alongside other methods such as combine harvesters, hand cutting and tractor-mounted sensor systems, satellite data is particularly cost-efficient and produces high-quality data sets,” explains Ludwig Hagn from YieldXperts.

YieldXperts' analyses are also used in drinking water protection. According to Johannes Schuster, the third co-founder of YieldXperts, data collection can be used to specifically determine the soil nitrogen supply. By adapting fertilization to this supply, saving 10-50 kg of nitrogen per hectare would be possible.

„Increasing soil fertility sustainably“

Prof. Hülsbergen, Prof. Leßke, Martin Mittermayer, Ludwig Hagn and Johannes Schuster emphasize that it is not just about yields in the present. They also want to increase soil fertility for future generations.

Currently, the analyses for drinking water protection in particular are being used, but the other modules are also being further developed and should soon be used in practice.

Speakers:

• Prof. Kurt-Jürgen Hülsbergen, Professor of Organic Agriculture and Agronomy, TUM
• Prof. Frank Leßke, Software Engineering and Data Analysis, HSWT
• Dr. Martin Mittermayer, Chair of Organic Agriculture and Agronomy, TUM
• Ludwig Hagn, Chair of Organic Agriculture and Agronomy, TUM
• Johannes Schuster, Chair of Organic Agriculture and Agronomy, TUM