The PestNu project aims to field-test and demonstrate digital and space-based technologies and agro-ecological and organic practices (AOP), under a systemic approach to reduce pesticides and fertilisers use, and loss of nutrients. PestNu deployed and upscaled novel digital and space-based technologies such as: AI robotic traps for real time pest monitoring, autonomous mobile robots for pesticide (fungal diseases, insects) monitoring and 3D spot spraying; Earth Observation missions with robust Agroradar AI algorithms to map soil/plant nutrients and pest plant inputs using Copernicus data/services, as well as in-situ and real-time nutrient analysers (nitrite/nitrate, ammonium, phosphate). All these onsite digital technologies will be interconnected to a user-centric cloud-based Farm Management System for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). The system features a robust Decision Support System integrated with a blockchain based system for DST data evidence, integrity and AI models verification and a cybersecurity platform.
The agro-ecological and organic practices (AOP) that are deployed and upscaled include: on-site production of biofertilisers from agricultural waste-waters via an innovative enzymatic hydrolysis procedure, a novel foliar biopesticide formulated by circular bioeconomy operations, targeting fungal diseases with biostimulant effect, and advanced nutritional programs for organic farming.
All the DST and AOP systemic approaches will be performed under co-creation and sharing of knowledge among all the Farm to Fork stakeholders via a PestNu Digital Platform (https://pestnu.eu) for agro-advisory, bussiness services and digital training and will be linked with EU relevant projects and EC services.
The digital green and circular economy based solutions will be demonstrated and field tested in aquaponic and hydroponic greenhouse and open-field vegetable cultivation in Greece and Spain.
