With scanning techniques and machine learning towards the assessing of biomass, carbon and nitrogen feed of crops.

We are investigating the evaluation methods for root masses and piloting their imaging. We are producing information on the biomass left by plants in the soil, as well as the inputs of carbon and nitrogen. The project led by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) started at the end of 2022 and will continue until the end of 2024. The goal are

1.To gather information on the roots of target plants (e.g., faba bean, caraway, oilseed hemp) through sampling.

2.To create a simple method for determining root masses.

3.To utilize artificial intelligence in plant sample identification.

4.To pilot imaging and its use in producing data on roots and above-ground biomass.

5.To collaborate with farmers in sampling root samples and visual data transfer.

6.To test the applicability of the produced data in designing an illustrative calculator.

7. To communicate the results of the project in various events and through different channels.

The innovation group of the project consists of the Natural Resources Institute Finland, companies, and farmers. Program: Rural Development Programme for Mainland Finland 2014-2020 (Recovery 2021-2022); Program measure: 16.1 Rural Innovation Groups EIP; Sub-measure of the program: Rural Innovation Groups EIP; Project implementation area: Rural Innovation Group (EIP). The support granted is 100.0 percent of the eligible costs of the project.