✍️ By: Team BC1.NL
🎬 Multilingual subtitles
Smart drought response in arable farming
The four-year project ‘Zoetwaterboeren‘ (Freshwater Farming) has recently concluded successfully. It all started with arable farmer Klaas Schenk from Anna Paulowna, in the north of the Netherlands, who increasingly faced the effects of climate change, such as prolonged drought periods. To better prepare his farm for these new conditions, he searched for innovative ways to use water more efficiently.
From one arable farmer to a joint project
What began as a personal search evolved into a broad collaborative project involving many organizations from the agricultural and technological sectors. Together, they worked on solutions to improve the availability and use of freshwater on farms.
Smart use of water, from rainfall to harvest
A key result of the project is a system that captures, purifies, and stores rainwater so it can be used later for irrigation. This reduces dependence on external water sources. The system contributes to more efficient water usage and helps crops become more resilient, a major advantage in a changing climate.
Farming efficiently with one central dashboard
To ensure optimal operation, the project developed a digital dashboard that integrates various functions and data sources. This makes it easier for farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation or crop protection. Previously, this required multiple apps or manual actions; now everything is combined in one clear platform. It not only improves efficiency but also saves time and costs.
Further development toward a self-steering system
Although the project has formally ended, further development of the system continues. The ultimate goal is a multifunctional dashboard that seamlessly connects various systems and can operate partially autonomously.
Freshwater Farming, who took part in the project
The accompanying video report, produced at the request of Zoetwaterboeren, showcases the key outcomes and applications. Partners included Wageningen University, LTO Noord, Vertify, Deltares, and many others. ‘Freshwater Farming’ highlights the importance of cooperation and technological innovation for a future-proof agricultural sector.
Curious about more inspiring examples of sustainable innovation in agriculture? Learn about the practical application of sustainable flower bulb cultivation here and discover how biogas is transformed into superfood in Sustenso’s circular breakthrough here. Each one is a promising step toward a future-proof farming sector.
