Braunschweig researchers test innovative plant health tools in Italy

Braunschweig researchers test innovative plant health tools in Italy

Braunschweig, Deutschland - in Italy there is currently a lot of hustle and bustle, and there is a very special reason: researchers from the Technical University of Braunschweig are on site to collect valuable data on an agricultural company. They take part in a measurement campaign of the European Space Organization ESA, which deals with the health monitoring of the vegetation. The aim is to identify signs of dry or heat stress in plants in good time. news38.de reports that the data collected should help farmers to react quickly to climate changes.

To achieve their goals, the researchers use a state-of-the-art helicopter drag probe, which is called "Helipod". This innovative technical solution enables you to carry out air measurements directly on a stubble field. The helicopter starts and ends up exactly where the measurements are required. New sensors are used that provide valuable information on photosynthesis and the condition of the plants.

combination of technology and nature

The researchers apply a variety of system: In addition to direct measurements on the ground and a series of drone flights at a low height, they also use a research aircraft at larger heights. The first measurement campaign took place in May this year when the plants were even younger and the environmental conditions were far milder. However, the weather has changed significantly since then, and the working conditions are now anything but simple - temperatures of 34 degrees in the shade are increasing the scientists, while measuring the atmospheric sizes such as temperature, wind, methane and ozone.

"Helipod" has proven to be very valuable for the measurements in Italy due to its flexibility. This adaptability is reinforced by the challenge that the helicopter must move in the middle of an agricultural environment that is surrounded by the curiosity of a herd of dairy cows.

future of environmental research

not only agriculture benefits from these measurements. This type of data acquisition could also have far -reaching consequences for the health assessment of our forests. The Femophies project, which rely on modern remote sensing technologies, has set itself the task of improving the health of forests through innovative television systems and direct tree measurements. Early detection of problems such as drought and heat is urgently required here. Waldklimafonds.de that a "Forest Vulnerability Index" is developed to protect the forests to protect the forests.

The challenges lie in the combination of tree measurements with remote sensing data in order to enable precise analysis. The project is supported by a large number of partners, including the German GeoForschungszentrum, the State Competence Center Forst Eberswalde and the Technical University of Berlin. The goal by 2026 is clear: to create an optimal database for sustainable and informed forestry.

A good hand in the application of the latest technologies could be crucial in order to protect our habitat not only today, but also in the future. Developments in Braunschweig and Italy could be the key to that our nature remains healthy even in times of climate change.