The purpose of the SmartField data infrastructure is to assimilate and integrate high-resolution, multi-year data from field experiments, with a particular focus on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions as well as other input data required to run models for nitrous oxide emissions.
The data originates from benchmark sensor-based and manually collected measurements of air chemistry, climate, soil, crops and agronomic management from field experiments within SmartField (Supersites and Mobile System).
The infrastructure also incorporates relevant external datasets, including national database records and Danish N₂O field emissions data derived from a meta-analysis of national field studies.
Beyond serving as a foundation for advanced modelling, the integrated SmartField data infrastructure is designed to empower key stakeholders across the entire agricultural value chain.
For regulatory authorities, the platform delivers the verified, empirical evidence needed to improve national greenhouse gas accounting, validate mitigation effects and design fairer, science-based policies. Meanwhile, for agricultural consultancy, advisors can leverage these comprehensive datasets to deliver precise, data-driven recommendations, helping farmers make informed operational transitions that reduce nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching while ensuring economic viability. In farm management, this high-resolution data enables farmers to optimize fertilizer use, balance crop yields with environmental impacts and implement field-tested, climate-friendly practices.
The data infrastructure in SmartField covers four areas:
If you are interested in learning more about how to get your data into the infrastructure please reach out to Mikkel Bue Lykkegaard, Teamlead, Data Science, Danish Technological Institute, mbly@teknologisk.dk.
The table below shows an overview of parameters measured at the SmartField Supersites:
|
Scientific Category |
Measured / Collected Variables |
Temporal Scale needed for modelling |
|
Climate & Meteorology |
Air temperature (max, average, min), Solar radiation, Precipitation, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, evapotranspiration |
Hourly |
|
Air Chemistry & Gaseous Emissions |
Atmospheric CO₂ concentration, Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, Carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) emissions (soil respiration), Nitrogen oxide (NOx ) emissions, Ammonia (NH3 ) volatilization |
Daily |
|
Soil & Hydrology |
Soil texture, bulk density, soil depth, Soil pH, total nitrogen, total carbon, Field capacity, wilting point, hydraulic conductivity |
Once (Initial conditions) |
|
Soil & Hydrology |
Soil mineral nitrogen (NO3− and NH4+ ), Dissolved organic carbon (DOC), Soil pH (dynamic changes), Soil moisture, Soil temperature, Nitrate (NO3− ) leaching, Groundwater level |
Daily |
|
Crop & Vegetation |
Crop biomass development, Leaf Area Index (LAI), Crop nitrogen (N) uptake, Crop C:N ratio, Crop biomass fractions (e.g., grain yield) |
Daily |
|
Agronomic Management |
Plant type, Sowing details, Tillage practices (type, depth, etc.), Fertilizer application (timing, source, rate, method), Irrigation (timing, amount), Harvesting details |
Yearly (Current & Historical) |