‘Precision technology as a tool against nitrogen leaching’

Denmark’s agricultural sector has for many years embraced new technologies to address the issue of efficient nitrogen usage to prevent leaching. Looking back, a lot of work was related to manure regarding how it was stored and applied into the field. In newer time, precision technology has delivered the latest advancement.

Nitrogen leaching has a great environmental concern in Denmark, and in the last three decades, Danish farmers have achieved a 40-50% reduction in nitrogen leaching, and that with an even higher yield. Knowledge and behavioral changes combined with new technologies are the primary factors.

A voluntary program has initiated significant change

Denmark’s specific battle is against nitrogen leaching into watercourses. Until two years ago the tools available for farmers were to either reduce the amount of nitrogen or establish catch crops. However, the even higher demand for catch crops have become a burdensome, making it hard for farmers to have an optimal crop rotation.

One fundamental part of reducing nitrogen leaching is to only apply the amount of nitrogen, that the crop can utilize, and here offers precision technology an innovative and promising solution. And when precision farming enables this why should it not be offered as an alternative to the mandatory requirement of catch crops?

Farmers who adopt precision farming techniques can gain exemptions from catch crop establishment obligations

Lucely for the Danish farmers was this implemented into the legislative toolbox two years ago – meaning that farmers who adopt precision farming techniques can gain exemptions from catch crop establishment obligations. The conversion factor for precision agriculture as an alternative to catch crops is 11:1. This means that implementing precision agriculture on 11 hectares of cereal or oilseed rape fields can replace 1 hectare of catch crops, providing greater flexibility for farmers.

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Carrot instead of stick

The widespread adoption of precision technology in Denmark is not a coerced change but a shift encouraged by voluntary schemes. Economic advantages, coupled with changes in cultivation practices, have become the driving force behind farmers embracing precision technology, turning the approach from punitive to attractive.

Besides driving the implementation of precision farming regarding nitrogen applications, it has also made many farmers interested in moving forward with precision drilling and plant protection. And because it’s a voluntary legislation, farmers make their move when they are ready and have the right equipment.

Economic advantages, coupled with changes in cultivation practices, have become the driving force behind farmers embracing precision technology

Over five years, the use of software for nitrogen planning in Denmark has more than doubled from 18 to 37 percent of the areas, and the use of satellite and drone data has increased from 13 to 30 percent.

Denmark’s specific challenge

While acknowledging that not all countries share Denmark’s specific challenge, it’s still notable to highlight it as a case showing how voluntary incentives can be implemented rewarding farmers adopting new technologies. Because political initiatives and the adaptability of farmers are pivotal elements in navigating the green transition successfully.

SEGES Innovation was one of the players advocating for the introduction of the voluntary scheme with reduced catch crop requirements using precision farming.

Share knowledge and experiences

I advocate for active participation in voluntary incentive schemes and the open exchange of knowledge and experiences. Sustainable agricultural practices are a collective endeavor, and through collaborative efforts, the entire agricultural sector across Europe can glean valuable insights from Denmark’s experiences. Precision technology emerges as a versatile tool that can empower us to cultivate a more sustainable and resilient farming future.