We will also measure the microclimate on potato fields in 2022
In the spring of 2021 'Curieuzeneuzen in de Tuin' was launched. This large-scale citizen survey, led by the University of Antwerp and De Standaard, was set up to investigate to what extent our Flemish gardens, public green spaces and agricultural lands are sensitive to drought and heat. Using 5000 sensors (lawn daggers), we collected data about the microclimate in gardens, parks, nature reserves and fields throughout Flanders. In June 2021, at the start of the growing season, we installed almost 500 sensors in 295 potato fields to learn more about the impact of extreme weather on the harvest.
After a successful measurement campaign in 2021, CurieuzeNeuzen is happy to extend the research by one year. With the help of 3000 sensors, we will also map the heat and drought in 2022. 200 of these sensors will be used again to monitor the microclimate on potato fields during the summer. In concrete terms, this means that we measure the soil temperature and soil moisture, as well as the air temperature between the plants. In this way we gather knowledge about the microclimate in which the plants thrive and we analyze the effect of extreme weather on the harvest. The measurements of the 200 sensors are being re-integrated into 'WatchITgrow' so that we can closely monitor and further analyze all results.
All measurements of the agricultural fields from 2021 are currently being analyzed. The measurement data from the soil sensors are linked to satellite images and meteorological information so that we can make an extensive analysis of the development of the potatoes after a dry spring and the extreme rainfall in the summer. In addition, we also study the microclimate between the plants, we investigate the differences in varieties and regions, and we look at the sponge effect of the soil in relation to soil texture and organic carbon content. These analyzes will lead to valuable insights into crop development during the extreme weather conditions of last summer.
The new measurement campaign of 'CurieuzeNeuzen in de Tuin' will start on Saturday, March 26, 2022. For the measurements in the agricultural fields, the sensors are placed as soon as possible after the potatoes have been planted. Depending on the variety, this will be in April-May. The sensors remain in place until just before the harvest.
'CurieuzeNeuzen in de Tuin' is an initiative of the University of Antwerp and De Standaard, in close collaboration with Rabobank, Orange, Vito, VMM, Department Economics, Science and Innovation, Department of Environment, Bio-Planet, DPD and Aquafin.
The measurements in agricultural areas are made in collaboration with various potato and carrot growers under the supervision of Agristo, Inagro, PCA, ILVO, Clarebouten de Hooibeekhoeve. The measurements are collected and visualised in WatchITgrow, the platform for digital crop monitoring.
