Multiplexers, flux gradient towers, soil sensors and automated measurement chambers… and all on a supersite.
It might sound a bit like something out of a sci-fi film. But while sci-fi is all about fantasy, Anders Ringgaard Rahr’s work is the exact opposite: Real-world data.
Anders is our technical (super)specialist, and he has been instrumental in building and fine-tuning the advanced measurement systems in SmartField. His mission is to keep this sensitive technology delivering data while braving the Danish weather 24/7, enabling us to measure agricultural nitrous oxide emissions with pinpoint accuracy.
- It has been about installing and building parts of the system so that we can measure the specific parameters we need. It also demands a great deal from the technology when the equipment is placed in an open field and has to deliver uninterrupted data for five years through rain, wind and frost, Anders explains.
While the focus was initially on the setup itself, it has now shifted to development and operations.
AgNUE is a new transatlantic project building on the SmartField concept. Among other things, it involves setting up 12 supersites across Europe and the US. Here, Anders is looking forward to both sharing knowledge and learning from the project partners.
Regardless of whether it is pouring with rain or the sun is beating down on the field, Anders’ goal remains the same:
- My motivation is to ensure that we capture the absolute best quality data possible.
It is precisely this high data quality that makes it possible to build reliable models for future climate initiatives.
- I believe this project could have a major impact on our future measurements and on strategies to reduce emissions. It’s fantastic that so many partners have joined forces to tackle this challenge. That’s a huge motivating factor for me, he concludes.