DiP-ZAZIcI (ZAZIkI) 01.04.2024 – 31.12.2028

The aim of this project is to develop and evaluate resource-saving and practicable cultivation systems for sugar beet in the model region “Mitteldeutsches Revier” in Saxony-Anhalt. The new cultivation systems are intended to meet the challenges of climate change, in particular the increasing scarcity of water and the rising risk of erosion. At the same time, they are intended to minimise other environmental risks such as greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication and toxicological hazards.

Innovative cultivation methods are tested in practical on-farm trials in close cooperation with sugar beet growers’ associations and local farms. The choice of measures depends on the individual conditions of the farms. Possible approaches include the use of spraying drones and strip tillage. Both proven methods for data collection in the field and on the farm as well as modern technologies such as autonomous crop monitoring and AI-supported analysis of drone and satellite data are used.

Based on the collected data, comprehensive material and energy balances of the cultivation systems are created. These form the basis for the development of a digital decision-making tool that supports farmers in ecological and GHG balancing. The project also promotes the networking of agricultural businesses.

Aims

• Development of climate-resilient sugar beet cultivation systems
• Establishment of an on-farm trial network in the region
• Integration of drone and satellite technology
• Development of AI-supported monitoring procedures
• Provision of a sustainability assessment tool
• Strengthening the regional sugar industry

Methodological approach

• AI-supported analysis of time series derived from Sentinel & Planet data
• Assimilation of agro-meteorological data

Expected results

The expected result is an AI-supported monitoring framework for the observation and evaluation of the sugar beet crop with regard to sustainability and resilience.