Data processing in Digital Farming NHN, from soil map to algorithm
In this second installment of the Digital Farming NHN series, the focus is on data processing. What information is being collected? And what happens to it afterward? The answers to these questions are crucial for the practical application of precision agriculture.
Soil maps and task maps, the foundation of precision work
One of the most important data sources in the project are soil maps and task maps. These provide the foundation for the precise application of fertilizers and crop protection products. The company RH3S plays a key role in this process. Using advanced sensor technology, they conduct soil research and generate detailed soil maps.
What makes this especially valuable is that the collected data can be immediately translated into task maps—digital instructions that enable agricultural machinery to operate in a targeted and efficient manner. In this part of the series, Eddie Loonstra from RH3S explains how this process works and what advantages it offers for sustainable agriculture.
Inholland university of applied sciences and the power of algorithms
The education sector is also actively involved in Digital Farming NHN. Kristel van Ammers, lecturer and researcher at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, supervises students working on the development of algorithms for the project. She highlights the importance of aligning this technology with the farmer’s needs. What does a grower expect from an algorithm? And how user-friendly should it be?
Michael Bultema, a Mathematical Engineering student, is developing an algorithm to detect weeds. At the Robotics Lab in Alkmaar, he demonstrates his progress and underscores the importance of high-quality image data in training and optimizing these algorithms.
A series of practical insights and field experiences
This article is part of a broader series showcasing the Digital Farming NHN project. In the first part, flower bulb grower Stef Ruiter, Sander Dekker from Agrotheek, and Pieter Vlaar from Vertify shared their insights into the opportunities of precision agriculture.
More information about sustainability in agriculture
In the report Journey to sustainable flower bulb cultivation, alternatives for combating certain diseases are explored, as well as whether methods that work on a small scale can also be successful on a larger scale.
Also interesting:
Digital Farming – part 1 the challenge
Digital Farming – part 3 applying site-specific techniques
Digital Farming – part 4 achievements and future prospects
Natural farming helps biodiversity
