MONITORING SITES
NitroScope operates one of the most comprehensive nitrogen monitoring networks ever deployed in Europe, integrating more than 100 monitoring locations across contrasting soils, climates, crops and management systems.
The network is structured into three complementary categories— 5 pilot sites, 9 intensive monitoring sites, and +100 regional data collection sites—each serving a distinct scientific and operational role. Together, they enable nitrogen fluxes to be quantified from field to national, up to continental scale, support the testing of advanced N management mitigation strategies under real conditions, and generate the robust evidence needed for region-specific emission factors, decision-support tools and improved nitrogen management across Europe.
Α. Pilot sites
Five pilot sites test improved nitrogen management and conservation strategies under real field conditions. Monitored over two growing seasons across different pedo-climatic zones, they link practices to impacts on NUE, crop performance and nitrogen losses.
B. Intensive monitoring sites
Nine intensive monitoring sites provide continuous 24/7 measurements over about 24 months, starting in February 2027, capturing short-term variability in nitrogen fluxes. They monitor soil nitrogen, gaseous emissions, soil conditions and crop dynamics to generate reference datasets and reduce modelling uncertainty.
C. Regional data collection sites
Around 100 regional data collection sites ensure broad coverage of Europe’s soils, climates and cropping systems. Their harmonised, multi-season datasets support model calibration, regional comparison and upscaling to national and EU levels.