FATIMA aims to help farmers in managing water and nutrient application in agricultural production, through the development of mapping tools and services. The project consists of a modular technology package (based on the integration of Earth Observation data and wireless sensor networks into a webGIS), a field work package (exploring options of improving soil and input management), a toolset for multi-actor participatory processes, an integrated multi-scale economic analysis framework, and an umbrella policy analysis set based on an indicator-, accounting- and footprint approach.
Researchers involved in the project worked with farmers, managers and decision makers in the agribusiness sector, developing a series of maps ranging from the farm to river-basin scale. The high-resolution maps for determining nutrient and water requirements use Earth Observation data and wireless sensor networks tailored to local needs, while the resulting precision farming tools have been deployed on the ground.
An online geographical information system (or webGIS) provides stakeholders with access to the online tools, including comprehensive guides for crop monitoring, management zoning and nitrogen balance. The platform is supported by a dedicated mobile app, AgriSat, where SMEs can reach potential customers with new mapping tools, and farmers can find solutions enabling them to fine-tune the amount of inputs used on farms.
The toolbox includes a farm-level cost benefit analysis to help farmers in the assessment of farm profitability on the one hand, and the economic feasibility of a specific FATIMA service on the other.
