Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with Aarhus University and Rothamsted Research in the UK, have launched the One Crop Health research project, backed by DKK 60 million (€8.05M) from Novo Nordisk. The six-year project aims to develop smarter and more sustainable agricultural practices using artificial intelligence (AI) to curtail plant pests and diseases, thereby reducing reliance on pesticides.
Current Challenges and Need for Sustainable Agriculture
For years, farmers have relied on pesticides to control diseases, pests, and weeds, resulting in worldwide crop losses of one-third. However, the detrimental impact of pesticides on health, nature, and biodiversity, coupled with the need to produce 60% more food by 2050, has led to a push for more sustainable agriculture. Recent EU policy plans aimed for a 50% reduction in pesticides by 2030, emphasizing the urgency for alternative and sustainable farming practices.
The One Crop Health Approach
The One Crop Health project seeks to address the central question of whether growers can reduce their pesticide use by 50% without compromising productivity and global food supply. The researchers plan to gather knowledge over the next six years to develop a holistic approach to farming that focuses on preventing issues rather than relying on pesticides as a cure.
AI, Holistic Farming, and Sustainable Ecosystems
The project emphasizes moving away from the conventional approach of solving individual problems with pesticides to adopting a more holistic view of farming. AI-based monitoring and modeling will be used to inform farmers about when and where pests need to be controlled. The researchers aim to create healthy ecosystems that naturally reduce the occurrence of pests, weeds, and diseases, thus reducing the need for extensive pesticide use.
Incorporating Natural Defenses
The researchers propose looking to nature for solutions, incorporating natural defenses present in healthy ecosystems. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that protect against diseases, as well as the competitive nature of healthy crops against weeds, are key elements to be integrated into future agricultural practices.
Collaboration with Farmers and AI-driven Solutions
The One Crop Health project involves collaboration with 100 farmers across Denmark and England. The researchers will work closely with farmers to understand their current challenges, strategies, and effectiveness of existing solutions. Drone surveillance and AI-driven digital twins of farmer’s fields will be employed to predict field behaviors, needs, and the impact of different solutions.
Long-Term Goal: Integrating Data and Providing Sustainable Solutions
The researchers aim to provide farmers with concrete methods and knowledge to address challenges sustainably without compromising productivity. The interdisciplinary project includes 11 Ph.D. students who will focus on developing specific solutions within their respective areas over the six-year duration.
This initiative underscores the potential of AI-driven solutions in transforming agriculture towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
