Measurement infrastructure in SmartField

The measurement infrastructure in SmartField is unique worldwide, as it captures the full nitrogen balance. We use state-of-the-art equipment and conduct continuous measurements on both small and large plots, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, over a five-year period.

Data from SmartField’s test facilities – the so‑called Supersites – and from the Mobile System are continuously collected, analysed and shared. Throughout the project, data specialists also work with advanced modelling to improve our understanding of emissions at larger scales. In this work, available weather data, satellite and drone observations, as well as national inventories, are all taken into account.

Below, you can read more about the Supersites, the Mobile System and the crops in SmartField.

Feel free to contact us on info@smartfield.dk, if you have any questions.

Supersites and the measurement infrastructure

Each of the Supersites consist of standard and larger plots. 

Advanced measurement equipment is installed, among others: 

Automatic chamber: Greenhouse gas emissions are measured continuously throughout the year from soil and plant surfaces at a small scale under different treatments. 

Flux gradient tower: Greenhouse gas emissions and other atmospheric variables are measured continuously at field scale.

MIRO and MIRA: Advanced state-of-the-art analytical devices measure N₂O emissions and other compounds relevant for the N-cycle from the flux gradient towers and the automatic chambers.

Advanced soil sensors: Soil moisture, temperature and nitrogen are measured yearround using advanced soil sensor systems.

Suction cups: Suction cups are installed in the subsoil to measure leaching from the soil.

Weather station: Climatic variables such as temperature, humidity and rainfall are measured in real time.

Drone: Drones equipped with multispectral cameras are used for mapping field and soil conditions, crop biomass and for crop monitoring, e.g., plant stress.

Calibration and quality control: Calibration and quality control of the equipment are essential to ensure the accuracy, reliability and validity of measurements over time.

Data Collection Systems: Real-time data loggers, APIs and databases, high performance computing (HPC) and data visualisation tools are used collectively to collect, store, process and analyse complex datasets from the field sites.