What's Happening?
The NitroScope project has officially launched at Ghent University, aiming to improve the management and conservation of nitrogen fluxes across Europe. This initiative seeks to help farmers and policymakers
adopt sustainable practices to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, a goal of the European Green Deal. The project involves 25 partner organizations, including universities and research centers, and focuses on reducing nitrogen losses from agriculture. Innovative sensing technologies will be deployed across over 100 data collection sites and five pilot sites to monitor nitrogen fluxes. The project aims to develop sensor-based tools and models for real-time monitoring of nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions, create a European nitrogen database, and update the European nitrogen budget.
Why It's Important?
Nitrogen is crucial for agricultural productivity, but its excessive use can harm soil health, water quality, and climate. The NitroScope project addresses these issues by providing systemic solutions for better nitrogen management. By improving nitrogen use efficiency, the project supports the EU Green Deal and the Soil Strategy for 2030. The initiative aims to deliver policy recommendations and help farmers optimize fertilizer application, contributing to sustainable soil management. This project is significant for Europe's transition towards climate-smart agriculture, potentially influencing agricultural practices and policies across the continent.
What's Next?
In the coming months, NitroScope partners will deploy sensors, establish farm networks, and set up a cloud-based database. Early findings on nitrogen flux patterns and management practices are expected by mid-2026. These results will contribute to Europe's efforts in achieving climate-smart and resilient agriculture. The project will test precision nitrogen management practices at pilot sites in Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, and Greece, tailored to local conditions. The outcomes will inform future policy recommendations and support the EU's environmental goals.
