NitroScope has officially initiated the preparation of its Greek pilot site in Aliartos, Boeotia, marking an important step in the project’s implementation across European agricultural systems.
Led by the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) and co-designed with the project coordinator Ghent University (UGent), the Greek pilot brings together field experimentation, advanced sensing technologies, and farmer knowledge to explore more efficient and sustainable nitrogen management practices.
Our pilot site in Greece focuses on wheat cultivation, with an experimental design based on management zones (MZs) derived from yield maps and soil sensing data. These zones allow for a more precise understanding of field variability and support the comparison between:
- Conventional uniform fertilization
- Variable-rate fertilization strategies adapted to field conditions
This strip-based experimental approach enables researchers to assess nitrogen use efficiency and evaluate how tailored fertilization practices can improve both productivity and environmental performance.
To support this approach, the pilot integrates a range of technologies, including:
- Soil scanning systems for mapping field variability
- GPS-controlled variable-rate fertilizer spreaders
- Combine harvesters equipped with yield sensors
These tools allow researchers to connect fertilization practices with real field outcomes, creating a full cycle from application to harvest.
In addition to crop performance, the pilot will also focus on monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N₂O). Manual chambers will be deployed to capture emission peaks, helping to better understand nitrogen losses and their environmental impact.
This work is essential for linking field-level observations with broader nitrogen flow assessments across Europe.
Building a strong data foundation
The pilot will rely on both newly collected data and existing datasets, including historical yield data where available. These data are critical for improving the delineation of management zones and supporting modelling activities within NitroScope.
Field scanning activities are planned following the harvest period, ensuring optimal conditions for soil sensing and data collection.
Collaboration at the core
The Greek pilot brings together teams from AUA and UGent, including researchers and PhD students working closely to design and implement the experiment. This collaboration ensures that scientific methodologies are aligned while also reflecting real agricultural practices and local conditions.