[Kubra Efegil]

SUMMARY
With the increasing world population, there has been a need to produce more food by using less natural resources. In this context, sustainable agriculture is becoming increasingly important as a field of study that focuses on the production of food and other agricultural products by minimizing negative impacts on the environment, promoting social and economic welfare and ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural production systems. Soil sensors are tools used to monitor soil moisture conditions. Sensors are categorized as sensors that can make measurements such as humidity, conductivity, temperature, nutrients, pH and salinity. With the advancement of technology, there are now more advanced soil sensors that can simultaneously measure soil moisture, temperature, conductivity and nutrient content. In the agricultural planting process, understanding the soil condition in a timely manner is essential to determine which types of crops to plant based on the soil condition. Thus, it is possible to effectively increase crop yield per acre and increase agricultural income.
Smart sensor technologies are seen as a promising solution to support and promote sustainable agriculture. Advanced smart sensors; It is used by control and decision support systems to automate and optimize agricultural processes, using methodological and technical solutions to collect measurements, store and integrate data, and extract valuable insights. Remote sensing technology for ecological and agricultural monitoring is the mainstream trend. These technologies are widely used in monitoring wildfire, soil moisture, pests and diseases.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The project aims to ensure technological transformation in the agricultural sector, increase productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Bandırma and other project partner provinces. In this context, the following targets have been determined:
● Selection, purchase and distribution of agricultural sensors and equipment and providing practical training to farmers.
● Sharing innovations in the sector by organizing agricultural technologies fairs and seminars.
● Collecting sensor data, analyzing it in a central data platform and providing feedback to farmers.
● Conducting research on agricultural sensors and automation systems in cooperation with universities and research institutions and compiling the results into articles.
● Creating a sustainable knowledge and experience sharing environment by establishing an “Innovative Agriculture Network” among project partners.

PROJECT PLAN
1. Distribution and Training of Agricultural Sensors and Equipment
The technological infrastructure required for agricultural production in Bandırma and other project partner provinces will be strengthened and the use of innovative technologies such as sensors will be encouraged. More sensitive sensors will be purchased to measure soil moisture, pH value, plant diseases and weather conditions. Practical training will be provided to farmers on how to use these sensors. Then, agricultural sensors and measurement equipment will be distributed to farmers.
2. Innovative Agricultural Technologies Fair and Seminars
An agricultural technologies fair will be held in Bandırma. This fair; It will introduce farmers to agricultural equipment, sensors and other innovative technologies. Information will be transferred directly to farmers from agricultural experts and company representatives.
3. Collection and Analysis of Agricultural Data
Data collected using sensors in agricultural fields will be collected and analyzed on a central data platform. A digital platform will be developed for this activity. Providing data as feedback to farmers will help them optimize their farming operations. Artificial intelligence technologies will be used to analyze the data.
4. Research Study
Research work will be carried out with universities and research institutions. An article will be prepared containing recommendations on designing automation systems to increase the efficiency of agricultural processes using data provided by agricultural sensors. These recommendations will reduce farmers’ workload and reduce costs. It is planned to carry out a follow-up project with the information obtained in the article.
5. Establishment of the “Innovative Agriculture Network”
The main activities of the network to be established with the membership of the project partners are to promote the use of agricultural sensors and other innovative technologies, provide training and support to farmers, analyze agricultural data and optimize agricultural processes. At least 9 practical trainings and 3 seminars will be organized by network members within 3 years following the completion of the project.

SENSOR TYPES THAT CAN BE USED
Soil Moisture Sensors: Soil moisture sensors measure soil water content and are used as an important indicator of plant stress, irrigation needs and nutrients. There are different types of soil moisture sensors such as capacitance, resistance, tensiometry and neutron probe. Capacitance sensors are generally more accurate, reliable and easier to install, but are more expensive than resistance sensors and are sensitive to salinity and temperature. Tensiometers are more affordable and simpler to use, but they only measure soil water potential and require frequent maintenance. The neutron probe is the most sensitive sensor and is versatile, but it is more costly and requires special licensing and security measures. Soil moisture sensors offer local farmers the ability to accurately measure soil moisture. This measurement is critical information for proper management of plant stress, irrigation needs and nutrients.
Soil pH Sensors: Soil pH sensors measure the degree to which the soil is acidic or alkaline. This affects the tolerance of plants to diseases and pests, the activity of microorganisms and the availability of nutrients. There are portable or fixed models. Portable sensors are more convenient and flexible but require manual sampling, calibration and cleaning. Fixed sensors are more consistent and automatic, but are more prone to contamination, drift, and interference. Some soil pH sensors can also measure soil electrical conductivity (EC), which reflects soil salinity and fertility. By accurately measuring soil pH values, local farmers will be able to select suitable plant species and develop correct fertilization strategies.
Soil Temperature Sensors: Soil temperature sensors measure the temperature of the soil. This factor affects the germination, growth and development of plants, as well as biological and chemical processes in the soil. Analogue or digital versions are available. Analog sensors are simpler and more durable, but require more wiring and calibration. Digital sensors are more accurate and versatile, but require more batteries and software. Some soil temperature sensors can also measure soil moisture or soil pH, providing more comprehensive data about soil conditions. These sensors will provide farmers with planting timing based on current soil temperature. This optimizes the plant growth cycle and increases productivity. Digital sensors will provide more precise measurements, guiding local farmers to more accurate planting and planting processes.
Soil Nutrient Sensors: Soil nutrient sensors measure the concentration of essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur in the soil. These are the factors that determine the fertility and productivity of the soil. They can be optical or electrochemical. Optical sensors are more sensitive and selective but more complex and expensive. Electrochemical sensors are simpler and more affordable but are more susceptible to interference and degradation. Some soil nutrient sensors can also measure soil pH or soil EC. These sensors help farmers identify missing nutrients in the soil and create accurate fertilization plans. Thus, correct and economical use of fertilizer is ensured.
Soil Organic Matter Sensors: Soil organic matter sensors measure the amount of organic carbon in the soil and reflect the quality and health of the soil. It can be spectroscopic or combustion basedSpectroscopic sensors can make faster and non-destructive measurements but are more dependent on calibration and verification. Some soil organic matter sensors can also measure soil nitrogen or soil carbon-nitrogen ratio. This may indicate decomposition and mineralization of organic matter in the soil. These sensors will guide local farmers in adding compost and organic materials to the soil, thus increasing soil fertility.
Soil Gas Sensors: Soil gas sensors; It measures the concentration of gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxide and ammonia in the soil. These affect the respiration, photosynthesis, nitritation, denitrification and volatility of plants and soil organisms. They can be infrared or electrochemical. Infrared sensors are more stable and specific, but larger and more expensive. Electrochemical sensors are more compact and cheaper but more unstable and cross-sensitive. Some soil gas sensors can also measure soil temperature or soil moisture. This factor affects the diffusion and emission of gases in the soil. These sensors will help optimize plant health and soil quality by providing local farmers with insight into soil aeration and drainage.

[Christos Lampropoulos]

Dear Kubra, good morning.
I am Christos Lampropoulos and i am the Chief Knowledge Officer (C.K.O.) of the Social Cooperative Enterprise «Liofyllo»
Startup Liofyllo takes advantage of the agricultural wastes (the biomass of olive leaves that is discarded mainly at olive oil mills) and creates an innovative, eco-friendly material (National patent- W.I.P.O. – USPTO).
Rule number one for the team is to attain its goals via eco-friendly production and to have green-end products. The three pillars of Liofyllo are female, green and social entrepreneurship. Moreover, through innovation and sustainable creativity, Liofyllo’s team wants to highlight Mediterranean culture.
We are a dynamic team, especially for EU projects (indicative and not exclusive), as our team consists of people (mostly female – five Founding members), with special and diverse academic profile & soft skills.
It would be our pleasure to contact with us for further cooperation, especially in the matter of agricultural waste.
Best regards,

Christos Lampropoulos
Chief Knowledge Officer (C.K.O.), S.C.E. Liofyllo
+306936952536
http://www.liofyllo.com
c.lampropoulos@liofyllo.com
Dodonis 15, Patras, Greece

[Teresa Gallelli]

I,m Teresa Gallelli, project manager for EU research projects in Lepida.
Lepida ScpA is a subsidiary of the Emilia-Romagna Region and is the main operational instrument as regards implementation of the Regional ICT Plan that defines the strategies of broadband networks, ensures and optimizes the delivery of ICT services, develops cloud infrastructure, implements and manages innovative solutions for the modernization of healthcare paths to improve the relationship between citizens and the Regional Health Service in accordance with the provisions of the European, National and Regional Digital Agendas.
Amomg the different services Lepida is providing SENSORNET, the Regional Internet of Things platform, of the Emilia region Romagna, realized and managed by Lepida, consisting of objects distributed throughout the territory, which transmit data and information building over time a digital map of the reality in which we live.
Whether it is inclinometers for monitoring landslides or hydrometric sensors for control and safety of waterways or turns for controlling traffic flows, data generated by sensors define a punctual reality, made of continuous information. SENSORNET is at the heart of the IoT network for the Public Administrations (PA) where citizens and companies, in addition to the PA itself, can integrate their own sensors. PAs collect and transport data from these sensors, to make them available to their owners and to any articulation of the PA itself, for institutional purposes and public interests. Please look at https://lepida.net/en/azioni-strategiche-speciali/iot-network-public-administrations-pa if you wish to read more details on this network.
Please contact me if you think that we could collaborate in a project proposal (teresa.gallelli@lepida.it).

[Jacopo Alberizzi]

Dear Kubra,

I am Jacopo Alberizzi from Trama Tecnoambiental. TTA is a SME based in Barcelona that operates worldwide in the field of rural electrification with renewable energy systems, in particular with photovoltaic systems and battery storage. We have many partnerships in the Mediterranean area and we are also involved in Agrivoltaic projects (H2020 Agrifossilfree, H2020 Agrifood4future) about the integration of photovoltaic systems and agriculture.

Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you want to explore a possible collaboration for this project.

jacopo.alberizzi@tta.com.es

[Paolo Barattini]

Hi
this is Paolo Barattini from Kontor 46, Italy.
we are an ICT and IOT small enterprise (SME).
We implement sensors solutions for soil and water, the data upload network (LORA, GSM,…).
We also implement on line data analysis platforms (also exploiting AI and machine learning) and GUI interfaces, wheras is needed also as DSS (Decision Support System).
We have a department that takes care of sustainability, environmental impact of technologies, LCA.
We are part of a large network of mostly academic partners for creating the critical mass for consortia.

http://www.kontor46.eu/
paolo.barattini@yahoo.it
+39-3281250084

[Mario Shahini]

Dear Kubra,

I am writing on behalf of the Regional Council Durres, a regional public authority in Albania governing 3 municipalities. We are a coastal region, with agricultural land making up the majority of our territory and playing a vital role in the economy of the region. Our institution is involved in the implementation of regional agricultural policies, therefore we are interested in participating to your project idea as we believe it would be very relevant and beneficial to our region. Our institution has a vast experience in EU co-funded projects, mainly in the INTERREG MED and ADRION programmes. Please feel free to contact me at shahinimario@yahoo.com for further communications.

Best regards

Mario Shahini

[Silvia Medri]

Dear Kubra Efegil,

I am Silvia Medri and I am contacting you from Romagna Tech, a not-for-profit Joint-Stock Consortium Company, accredited as Industrial Research Laboratory and Innovation Center within the “Rete Alta Tecnologia” (Hi-Tech Network) promoted by the Regional Government of Emilia-Romagna (Italy).

The mission of Romagna Tech is to promote and generate technological innovation processes by:
• working in close cooperation with knowledge centres and institution to foster the implementation of research findings;
• fostering innovation as a strategic asset for companies’ development and society enhancement;
• supporting companies to develop technological solutions for their business;
• providing start-ups with assistance to accelerate their growth.

The main stakeholders with whom Romagna Tech cooperates are:
• private and public bodies, namely Municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, banks and foundations;
• big companies and SMEs, cooperatives, and so on;
• key players in the most relevant sectors for Romagna Tech’s activities, such as agro-food, manufacturing, automation and ICT.

Romagna Tech operates in several sectors, ranging from energy efficiency, agrifood, ICT, manufacturing, green tech, mechanics, advanced materials, offering a broad range of competences, covering both the technical and managerial domains: sensor engineering, ICT, artificial intelligence, artificial vision, industry 4.0, intellectual property, fund-raising, business planning, communication, project management.

The activities of Romagna Tech revolve around 3 areas of intervention:
a) Romagna Tech Innovation Centre fostering relations between research and business, offering services in relation to training, networking and marketing, tech expertise and scouting, competitive analysis and project management;
b) The Industrial Research Laboratory “Romagna Tech LAB” specialized in Industry 4.0 ad ICTs, focusing its activities on the design and development of technological solutions tailored for the need of businesses and SMEs. The LAB can provide services in relation to prototyping, concept generation, design, engineering and process analysis;
c) Start-up accelerator, supporting the growth pattern of companies and SMEs, through an approach based on feasibility check procedures. Romagna Tech currently manages 2 incubators for the growth of new business ideas, innovative start-ups and for the development of new businesses in the advanced tertiary sector.

Romagna Tech is member of the seven regional S3 Clusters, namely:
• AGRIFOOD on precision farming, sustainable production systems, food innovation and bio-based industries;
• INNOVATE on innovative models on ICT services;
• MECH on mechanics, motors, advanced and predictive manufacturing, artificial intelligence etc;
• ADDICT, focused on product customization and shelf innovation.

As for the specific knowledge and expertise in the field of the project idea, Romagna Tech has extenstive experience gained through the implementation of several European projects on the optimization of manufacturing efficiency using on sensing and process monitoring technologies, as well as on suppor to SMEs ad businesses innovation, such as:
– COACH – Cold Management in Agro-Food Chains: Solutions For Process Digitalization (Por Fesr 2014-2020);

– MEDLINKS-Data-enabled Business Models and Market Linkages Enhancing Value Creation and Distribution in Mediterranean Fruit and Vegetable Supply Chains (PRIMA Programme);

– ACMEC – Additive Manufacturing e Tecnologie Cyber-Physical per la Meccatronica del Futuro (Por Fesr 2014-2020);

– FORT – Fostering Continuous Research and Technology Application (Interreg Central Europe);

– SUSTAIN-SUpporting SMEs innovaTion in Adaptation to EU changINg standards (Horizon 2020).

Due to our experience and knowledge, we believe we could establish a fruitful and longlasting cooperation in the framework of your project proposal.

For any other aspect you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact me here or direclty at my email address silvia.medri@romagnatech.eu, I will be glad to proide you with further details and our PIF.

Thank you for your attention, I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Silvia Medri
Email: silvia.medri@romagnatech.eu

[Sandra García Torres]

Dear Kubra,
I am Sandra García from BIC Euronova, the Business innovation Centre in Málaga, Spain, a public company. We would be interested in joining the consortium for this proposal We have worked in similar projects in the past, linked to smartagrifood. We have more than 25 years of experience in EU funded project, and also in the previous version of this programme, with a project in sustainable transport.
We will be happy to send you more information if you are interested in our profile.
Regards,
Sandra García
Email: sandragarcia@bic.es

[Author]

Posts