"Background
Ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from livestock barns make up a large part of the agricultural emissions. They contribute to several global and local problems, such as global warming and acidification. Unlike factors that can visually be optimized through good farming practices such as animal productivity and welfare, the gas emissions of livestock barns are unknown to the farmer. 
The ECONUTRI solution
The low-cost emission monitoring system OTICE gives livestock farmers insight in their barn climate and gas emissions. The system provides an online dashboard with real-time information that can be used to assess the effect of everyday farm management on the emitted gases. This way, greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions can be reduced.
Description of the suggested technology
The OTICE system is built with open-source components that handle the data flow and visualisation. The data from wireless low-cost gas sensors can be transferred to the system to monitor the gas concentrations leaving the barn. The system is scalable, meaning that sensors can be added or removed depending on the needs and configuration of the barn.
Limitations
The limitations of the system are the availability of reliable and durable low-cost sensors that can be used in barn environments and that provide options for real-time data transfer. Potential sensors are being tested and validated.
Outlook
The OTICE monitoring system can transform the barn emissions from an invisible cloud hanging over the farmer’s head to a tangible optimization challenge. Once the emissions of the barn and the effect of management decisions on them are made visible, the farmer has the handles to take control of the situation. "
 

"Background
In this new innovative technology, we are focussing on the optimised application of manure on the field to reduce nutrient losses & GHG emissions. This is done by both combining new data technologies & NPK sensors to optimise the application of manure, as well as by optimising the machinery used for application. Both optimalisations will lead to less emissions and nutrient losses. Farmers and contractors can use this technology to help their goals in terms of Green Deal challenges.
Optimised Vervaet manure machinery
The optimised machinery from Vervaet can be purchased when farmers or contractors are looking for new machinery. The adapted machinery will be optimised to reduce GHG emissions by reducing the contact of the manure with the open-air during field application & by using direct NPK sensor data of the NIR sensor (apply to correct dosing). These changes are all integrated into the new generation of machines.
What would be the main added value/benefit/opportunities to the end-user if the generated knowledge is implemented? 
The main value of this optimised machinery is the reduction of GHG emissions & optimal use of the manure during application when using this innovation. This will help the end-user to comply with increased legislation in different countries.
How can the practitioner make use of the results?
This innovation is available when purchasing or using the compatible Vervaet machinery. Farmers can address the suitable contractor in their regions to use this new technology. The NIR sensor is an add-on feature.
"
 

"Background
Vineyards are usually located in soils which are characterized by low organic carbon content and a high risk of soil erosion. In viticulture, opportunities for mitigation of GHG emissions include reducing emissions related to energy production and transportation, minimizing N2O emissions arising from inorganic and organic fertilisers, as global warming potential of N2O is about 300 times higher than that of CO2, and sequestering organic carbon in the soil.
The ECONUTRI solution
Viticulture, compared to other agricultural sectors, is less polluting. The management of the soil in the vineyards, however, with the aim of preserving it, is of primary importance, not only for the yield and quality of the grapes, but also for the preservation of the ecosystem, which is endangered by climate change. Instead of conventional mowing and continuous chemical fertiliser inputs, ECONUTRI proposes alternative sustainable strategies giving a primary role to the preservation of biodiversity, the maintenance of soil fertility and the balance between vegetative and reproductive growth.
Description of the suggested technology
The following alternative treatments are suggested for vineyards: i) cultivation of legumes with soil milling; ii) only grass cutting; iii) use of grounded canes; iv) cultivation with soil milling.
Limitations
Plant residues free of pathogens and transition to new cultivation practices are required.
Outlook
With the adoption of the technologies proposed by ECONUTRI, viticulture could significantly contribute to the global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, while maintaining the productivity of vineyards and the quality of wine products."
 

"Background
Livestock production accounts for 10-15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Significant amounts of gases, like methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are emitted not only in barns but also during the external storage of manure coming from the livestock farms.
The ECONUTRI solution
The innovation of the work refers to the reduction of GHG and NH3 emissions from livestock manure by using biochar. The biochar application on top of the manure layer (5% w/w and 10% w/w) highlighted its potential importance for large scale field trials in due to the reduction of the emissions.
Description of the suggested technology
The biochar is applied in external storages of livestock residues or inside the barn at a percentage higher than 3%.
Limitations
Optimization of the method and actions to convince producers of the potential benefits of biochar. Furthermore, the impact of various environmental conditions, such as local humidity and temperatures in different geographical areas should be examined to evaluate the efficiency of the biochar.
Outlook
As the reduction of GHG and NH3 emissions is a target for climate change mitigation, this innovation based on the application of additives like biochar is valid. Although the proposed innovation is an easy and low investment approach, other cheaper and more effective additives or techniques appearing in the future may eventually replace the use of biochar to reduce GHG and NH3 emissions."
 

"Background
The urease enzyme catalyses the hydrolysis of released urea through binding to its nickel containing active site and converts it to NH3 and bicarbonate. Half time of the urease catalysed reaction is only 20 ms at 25℃ leading to fast hydrolysis of urea in slurry.
The ECONUTRI solution
Is to inhibit the breakdown of urea to NH3 and bicarbonate through the urease enzyme by using a urease inhibitor (UI). UI are chemical and biological compounds, which inhibit the binding of urea to the active site of the urease enzyme and thus stop the hydrolysis process of urea.  For this purpose, is it suggested to apply an UI on the dairy barn floor at least once per day, ideally through an automatic application system (AAS). The AAS shall be configured as part of the cleaning robots so that it can apply a pre-defined concentration of UI on the floor during the cleaning process it. The use of UI on the barn floor has the potential to reduce NH3 emissions up to ~50%. The reduction in NH3 emissions varies with the season with higher reductions during winter (65-68%) as compared to the summer season (40-53%). 
Limitations
Currently, there are restrictions in the implementation of the UIs including the availability of AAS and their compatibility with the design of the barns and floor as as well as legal restrictions on applying UIs in the barns.
Outlook
The application of UI has advanced, especially with automated methods, and the plans are to further evaluate the effectiveness of UI by using AAS which has the potential to be more effective in reducing emissions. "
 

"Background
In soilless systems, reusing drainage solution (DS) enhances water (WUE) and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) while reducing environmental impact. However, fully closed hydroponic systems are impractical in regions with poor water quality due to the risk of salt accumulation and subsequent salinity stress. 
Τhe Econutri solution
The Cascade Hydroponic System (CHS) innovation deployed by Econutri addresses these challenges by employing a strategic drainage management approach. This system uses the DS from a primary crop to fertigate one or more secondary crops that are tolerant to higher salinity levels. In this way, the water and nutrient needs of the secondary crop may be completely covered by the drainages of the primary crop.
Description of the suggested technology
The system maximizes the use of DS, therefore reducing production costs but also improving the quality characteristics of secondary crops. The CHS has demonstrated a more than 20% increase in WUE and NUE. Additionally, it has achieved significant reductions in nutrient leaching, with nitrogen and phosphorus leaching decreased by 75% and 86%, respectively.
Limitations
Converting an open hydroponic to a cascade system requires two tanks for storing the DS before and after disinfection. Optimal management involves adjusting pH, EC, and macronutrients ratios (adding macronutrients through ion selective sensors), as DS may have abnormal nutrients. Finally, the crop's DS may include phytotoxic root exudates or recirculated plant protection products. 
Outlook
More research and pilot applications are required to validate the implementation of the system in practice."
 

"Background
Recycling of the drainage solution (DS) in closed-loop soilless culture systems (CLS) can reduce water and fertilizer losses by 30-50% and prevent pollution of water resources by nitrates. An important challenge in CLS is to harmonize the supply with the uptake of nutrients. In CLS, this is essential to eliminate the need to discharge DS due to nutrient accumulation or depletion in the root zone. However, this is a challenge in CLS because the DS composition is variable and not predictable. 
The ECONUTRI solution
ECONUTRI has developed a novel strategy based on the daily readjustment of the nutrient supply to levels maintaining the target macronutrient concentrations in the root zone of the crop using the decision support system (DSS) NUTRISENSE (https://nutrisense.online). Thus, if the raw water used to prepare nutrient solution does not contain NaCl at excessive concentrations (>2-3 mM), the discharge DS is eliminated. To daily recalculate the nutrient injection rates, NUTRISENSE is fed with the actual macronutrient concentrations in the DS which are measured daily using ion selective electrodes (ISEs). The fertilizer injection rates estimated by NUTRISENSE are automatically transmitted to the fertigation system and implemented in real time. 
Limitations
To change the fertilizer injection rates daily, the fertigation system is equipped with eight individual fertilizer stock solutions plus one more injecting acid for the adjustment of pH in the outgoing nutrient solution.
Outlook
Daily monitoring of the DS composition using ISEs and readjustment of the nutrient addition using a suitable software such as NUTRISENSE not only optimises nutrient management but also facilitates the widespread adoption of CLS. "
 

"In organic farming, nitrogen (N) is a primary productivity constraint as this cropping system excludes the use of inorganic N fertilisers, while setting a maximum threshold of 170 kg N/ha annually for N application originating from animal manure (EU regulation 2018/848). It is therefore important to employ cultivation practices that maximise agronomic nutrient use efficiency of N. In conventional greenhouse tomato crops, most fertilizers are delivered through the drip irrigation system, thus ensuring that they are accessible by the root system. However, in organic tomato farming, N is delivered through basal dressing, incorporating appropriate amounts of organic fertilisers into the soil bulk. However, this practice may result in N waste, as an appreciable quantity of fertilizers is incorporated in soil parts where no water is delivered through the drip irrigation system and thus no roots are developed. 
The EcoNutri Solution
Smart irrigation strategies could be deployed to tackle this problem by using portable drippers as root navigators. Portable drippers that their point and distance alter along with the plant development could be employed to expand the root zone to a larger volume of soil and concomitantly utilise more N, thereby considerably increasing the nitrogen use efficiency.
Limitations
Application of this technology requires more effort by the grower and a more expensive irrigation system.
Outlook
This technique would not only benefit root growth, that is necessary for proper water and nutrient uptake and thus vigorous aboveground biomass development, but also will enhance crop nutrient use efficiency by optimizing utilization of the fertilizers applied though basal dressing."
 

"Background
Tools are required to reduce the overapplication of water and fertiliser nitrogen (N) to vegetable crops in Mediterranean greenhouses.
The ECONUTRUI solution
The decision support system (DSS) VegSyst-DSS prepares site and crop specific plans for optimal management of N and irrigation for soil-grown vegetable crops in Mediterranean greenhouses, for tomato, pepper, cucumber, zucchini, melon, watermelon and eggplant.
Description of the suggested technology
The software has very few inputs and is simple to use for farmers and advisors. Input data for each crop are: climate (air temperature, solar radiation) from a long-term data base, and the dates of the crop. Greenhouse data is of soil, irrigation system, and most recent manure application. Calculations using long term average climate data provides detailed plans, prior to transplanting of N and irrigation applications for whole crop cycle. Output is daily amount of irrigation and N to apply, plus average N concentration to apply by fertigation over four-week periods. An English version can be freely downloaded: http://www.ual.es/GruposInv/nitrogeno/index.shtml. 
Limitations
The plans for irrigation and N are approximate. Supplementary monitoring is recommended.
Outlook
The DSS is being continually improved. It will be a useful tool for preparing plans for N fertilisation required by new legislation. "
 

"Background
Variable rate application of manure on the field is an innovative technology that can considerably reduce nutrient losses & GHG emissions. This is done by both combining new data technologies & NPK sensors to optimise the application of manure, as well as by optimising the machinery used for application. This will lead to less emissions and nutrient losses.
Optimised variable rate application based upon NPK steered taskmaps
For the data aspect, farmers and contractors can use task maps based on N, P or K steering combined with an NPK sensor on the machines to optimise the spreading of the manure. Today the variable rate steering of manure is mostly done on cubes/ha and not on the real nutrient content of the applied manure (or at least not on the variable content). Today mostly one data point is taken that is used to optimise the variable rate application. Result maps are also freely available in Vervaet Connect and can be shared with several farm management information systems.
What would be the main added value/benefit/opportunities to the end-user if the generated knowledge is implemented? 
The main added value is to be found in the optimal use of the manure on the fields to be more cost efficient (avoiding extra application). Detailed maps are available to follow-up the yield afterwards.
How can the practitioner make use of the results?
The end-user can use this technology with Vervaet machinery if variable taskmaps are available before applying manure on the fields. Commercial tools or advisory services can be addressed to generate these variable rate application maps which can be uploaded to the machinery. User can use Vervaet Connect to see the maps."
 

"Background
High crop productivity can be achieved with less mineral fertilisers by integrating soil and crop management options for multiple benefits to soil health and biodiversity. Integrated management options improve resource utilisation efficiency and reduce avoidable losses of nutrients from the cropped area.
The ECONUTRI solution
A legume-based, low-input crop system improves sustainability by increasing resource use efficiency, utilizing legumes as an alternative nitrogen source, and reducing nutrient losses. Together, these interventions produce less pollution, enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and yield comparable to conventionally managed crops.
The suggested technology
The integrated system combines occasional tillage (plough one year in six), organic matter amendments (ca. 10 t ha-1 yr-1 green waste compost, crop residues, cover crops) in a legume-based rotation with 15% cropped and 50% undersown legumes for Biological Nitrogen Fixation and Soil N Supply. This system cuts mineral fertilizer requirements by 40-60% with further reductions likely long-term.
Limitations
Although the long-term benefits are clear, combining the full range of interventions may not always be practical. The choice of management options must be tailored to each circumstance and flexibility in development and monitoring is key to long-term success.
Outlook
Integrative strategies have significant potential to provide highly flexible, affordable solutions for individual growers’ environmental and economic situation, but support is required during the transition phase towards the lower input system, where some experimentation with alternative crop varieties and management approaches may be necessary."
 

"Background
There are many vegetable wastes (VM) produced every year all over the world, which contained nutrients for plants while pathogens harmful for soil and plants. Due to the dual attributes of VM, composting is a useful treating technology because of the thermophilic stage, while the nitrogen loss and ammonia emission would be higher in this stage. 
The ECONUTRI solution
An environment-friendly ultra-high temperature composting technology was developed. It can achieve 100% elimination of pathogenic microorganisms by maintaining the temperature above 70℃, speed up the composting process and shorten the duration to 10-15 days by accelerating material degradation, and reduce the greenhouse gases and nutrient loss by 30%. Functional vegetable seedling/cultivation substrate was developed from the compost product instead of grass carbon consumption by up to 80%, whose product also had the function of antagonizing root-node nematodes and some soil-borne diseases.
Limitations
The application of the technology needs the basic information of the materials, both the main material and auxiliary materials, meanwhile the process management is also for the thermophilic stage control. 
Outlook
The technology can be applied in vegetable parks for in situ treatment and utilization. Farmers mix vegetable waste with surrounding straws to realize ultra-high temperature composting by setting the bulk density, organic matter composition and moisture content of the material, which can reduce the cost and risk of collection, transportation and treatment of wastes, as well as the subsequent use of fertilizers and pesticides, and reduce the cost input of farmers."
 

"Background
Frequently use of organic amendments increases nitrogen release with subsequent risks of overfertilization, losses to the environment, and low N use efficiencies. N release from organic amendments is hardly included in N-fertilizer strategies. 
The ECONUTRI solution
The digital platform FarmMaps helps farmers with management decisions of which side dressing, a well-known strategy to improve N use efficiency is one. Organic amendments contribute to the N supply by mineralisation. ECONUTRI supports improved decision making on N side dressing as organic amendments N release is included.
Description of the suggested technology
FarmMaps offers a side dressing advice based on a variety of techniques (https://www.farmmaps.net/en/). None of these techniques include N release from organic amendments. Within ECONUTRI, N release is estimated through a modelling approach including weather and soil data, organic amendment characteristics and dose. Innovative products and standard products are included in the on-line side dressing APP. Farmers can compare the APP with and without N release, to modify their N side dressing, increase N-use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts without yield losses.
Limitations
FarmMaps uses general data through GPS locations of farmers’ fields, which may deviate from actual data but allows users to include site specific soil data to tune N release to their location. 
Outlook
Organic amendments are screened for N-mineralization characteristics, validated and included into the APP. FarmMaps is upgraded to include world-wide access. "
 

"Background
Digestate from biogas production plants and drain-to-waste hydroponic solutions constitute liquid wastes rich in nutrients like N and P, the majority of which is lost during storage or disposal. In parallel, dry green waste remains unexploited due to its high C:N ratio.
The ECONUTRI solution
The innovation here refers to the reduction of vulnerability to loss of nutrients (especially N and P) contained in digestate or hydroponic waste solution through immobilization in microbial biomass, which develops during composting. A secondary aim is the exploitation of green waste and particularly this that has dried and is difficult to compost directly.
Description of the suggested technology
Co-composting green waste with digestate or hydroponic waste. Mixing a rich in N solution with tree plant residues may serve as a way of stabilizing N and restricting NH3 losses. Trials indicated that stabilization was due to initial immobilization in microbial biomass or dead microbial biomass, leading to stronger N fixation in organic compounds or later attachment of inorganic N to the organic residue matrix.
Limitations
Optimization and further actions to convince producers of the potential benefits of co-composting.
Outlook
The ideal application of the technology would be to extend the activities of biogas plants to include composting units very close to the digestate storage/drying lagoons. The transfer of municipal green waste to the premises of biogas plants it could significantly facilitate the appropriate mixing of digestate with shredded woody material."
 

"Background
When chemical fertilisers are excessively used, they contaminate water and cause nutrients to be lost via runoff. Traditional manure causes an imbalance in the nutrients in the soil and water, which makes these problems even more severe. Utilising innovative methods is essential in order to maximise the efficiency with which nutrients are applied and to lessen the influence that they have on the surrounding ecosystem.
The EcoNutri Solution
The robust EcoNutri controller, which is a raspberry pi 4, uses the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to accurately regulate fertiliser delivery and device location. Recipe maps alter a three-way valve's opening to enhance the supply of nutrients. The variable rate approach increases crop output while minimising environmental effect by optimising fertiliser application. Accurately measuring manure with modern flowmeters improves recipe mapping. So, the aforesaid technology uses an intelligent mechanism to achieve a variable fertiliser dosage. 
Limitations
Although the EcoNutri technology for variable rate application of manure provides a number of benefits, it also has some drawbacks. The proposed method has a disadvantage in that it just requires one tube that is installed on the ground to provide fertiliser.
Outlook
EcoNutri, use precision agricultural technology, is in accordance with increasingly stringent environmental standards. Advancing technology has the potential for improved efficiency to achieve maximum effectiveness."