In the new era of Agriculture nowadays, the use of high technology attracts young farmers and offers solution. Potato cultivation is one of the examples. Data about the crop could help the farmer with harvest forecasting and growth monitoring by using simple sensors.

As a part of TTADDA consortium, WUR researchers and partners from OnePlanet have developed a method to use electrical impedance tomography to measure how many potatoes grow in the soil and how big they are. For this purpose, sensors are mounted on two shelves that are sensitive to electrical radiation. This makes it possible to make a 3D map of the subsoil, on which potatoes are visible. The practical test will take place in Japan next year: the boards with sensors will be placed behind a tractor and, while driving, measure how the tubers develop during the growing season.

Read more: Sensors visualise potato growth – wur.nl.