Data

The ILVO Lane Trees facility, featuring a diverse array of 50 trees from four different cultivars and varying stem diameters, provides a unique environment for testing and experimenting with advanced technologies tailored for tree nurseries. This setup allows researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of innovative tools and methods in real-world conditions, ensuring that new developments are both practical and beneficial for the industry. By leveraging this resource, ILVO aims to drive advancements in tree nursery practices, promoting sustainability and efficiency in the sector.

The ILVO Hyperspectral Technology Facility enables advanced applications in agri-food processing, such as quality control, defect detection, grading, and sorting of (raw) products. By comparing spectral and spatial data to reference measurements, we build chemometric models capable of estimating product parameters in real time. The facility hosts a range of hyperspectral and multispectral devices, including spectrometers with customisable probes, hyperspectral cameras, and FTNIRS systems suited for both solid and liquid samples.

ILVO’s fertiliser spreader calibration lab offers services to farmers, fertiliser spreader manufacturers, and fertiliser-producing companies. Two different approaches are used for assessing the performance of centrifugal and pendulum fertiliser spreaders for specific types of fertilisers: collection trays equipped with anti-reflection grids are used for determining spread patterns in field conditions.

The ILVO testing field is a small field with dry sandy loam soil. The testing field is conveniently located next to our workshop facility, allowing us to test and adapt a prototype in quick succession in a real-world setting. Depending on the intended tests, different crops are installed each growing season.

Experimental stables with opportunities for co-creative research in dairy cattle, poultry, rabbit, and pig farming. These facilities are equipped with an extensive array of sensors and cutting-edge technologies to support advanced agricultural testing, experimenting, and validation. The currently available sensors allow us to collect data related to emissions, stable climate, animal behaviour, and food or water intake.

The ex situ germplasm collection includes more than 2,000 genotypes (unique genetic profiles), represented by 1-20 accessions per genotype. Accessions differ according to their origin and/or by distinctive phenotypic characters (e.g., colour of the berry). - Genetic and phenotypic database The FEMVitisDB is being developed to make the list of genotypes present in the FEM grapevine germplasm collection available for consultation. The database collects the genetic profiles and phenotypic characteristics of each accession.

In 2021, an experimental vineyard dedicated to precision agriculture was built within the campus of the Fondazione Edmund Mach at the “Molini” location, which will host innovative research and experimentation activities in the field of digital agriculture in the coming years. The vineyard 4.0 was developed to facilitate installation, powering, and data transmission by prototypes developed both by FEM and by national or international companies and research organisations.

Located in Torrelameu, Spain, this farm is equipped with a wide range of precision feeding machines, environmental sensors, and camera systems to monitor and optimise various aspects of pig farming. These tools enable comprehensive data collection on temperature, humidity, CO₂, and ammonia levels, which are integrated into a proof of concept for the pig sector data space. The facility fosters collaboration among public and private entities, promoting advancements in intensive livestock management, animal welfare, and transport.

It excels in soil and crop characterisation through advanced 3D mapping and field scanning techniques. The lab employs a variety of sensors and imaging tools to assess vegetation health and soil conditions, enabling precise measurements of geometric and structural parameters. Key features include remote sensing drones for aerial imaging, precision phytosanitary applicators, and variable-rate sprayers designed to optimise fertiliser and pesticide application.

The lab offers a wide range of analytical services, including tests for soil pH, organic matter, nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), and water retention capacity. It also provides water analysis for pH, electrical conductivity, nutrients, and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Additionally, the lab performs plant material analysis, such as total nitrogen and dry matter, and organic waste analysis for pH, organic matter, and ammonium content.