Conceptual design of a comprehensive farm nitrogen management system

Abstract

Data that are required for nutrient management are becoming increasingly available in digital format, leading to a high innovation potential for digital nitrogen (N) management applications. However, it is currently difficult for farmers to analyze, assess, and optimize N flows in their farms using the existing software. To improve digital N management, this study identified, evaluated, and systematized the requirements of stakeholders. Furthermore, digital farm N management tools with varying objectives in terms of system boundaries, data requirements, used methods and algorithms, performance, and practicality were appraised and categorized. According to the identified needs, the concept of a farm N management system (FNMS) software is presented which includes the following modules: (1) management of site and farm data, (2) determination of fertilizer requirements, (3) N balancing and cycles, (4) N turnover and losses, and (5) decision support. The aim of FNMS is to support farmers in their farming practices for increasing N efficiency and reducing environmentally harmful N surpluses. In this study, the conceptual requirements from the agricultural and computer science perspectives were determined as a basis for developing a consistent, scientifically sound, and user-friendly FNMS, especially applicable in European countries. This FNMS enables farmers and their advisors to make knowledge-based decisions based on comprehensive and integrated data.