Journal Article
Towards Data-Driven Precision Crop Management of Potato
Corné C. Kempenaar; Fedde F. D. Sijbrandij; Thomas T. H. Been; Koen K. van Boheemen; Johan J. A. Booij; Frits F. K. van Evert; Misghina Goitom M. G. Teklu; Geert G. J. T. Kessel; Corné C. G. Kocks; Corné C. Lugtenburg; Andries A. van der Meer; Leendert L. P. G. Molendijk; Pepijn P. A. J. van Oort; Jos J. J. H. Tielen; Tamme T. van der Wal
Potato Research · Vol. 69, Issue 1 · 2026
Abstract
Smart data use in precision potato production was one of the key note topics at the EAPR July 2024 conference in Oslo, Norway. Key enabling technologies for soil and crop monitoring, crop management, and harvest as used in the Netherlands were presented. Statistics on the adoption of the technologies and results of applications were given if available. Key technologies are FMIS, GNSS, satellite imagery, proximal sensors, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data services platforms, digital twinning, and robotics. Applications are route planning, soil, crop, and yield mapping, and input optimization (variable rate applications and spot treatments). The introduction of a new code of conduct on data use as a social innovation was presented. The need for the development of the farm data space concept was discussed. The innovations presented contribute to more precise crop management with fewer inputs and more sustainable production. Data will play a role in crop management and in showing compliance to set environmental targets for crop production. Authorities and value chain partners will ask for this compliance data more and more.