Project
Towards a cost-efficient and sustainable potato cultivation in 2023 (KODA 2030)
The aim of KODA 2030 is to develop directly usable calculation tools, knowledge and information that enable growers of consumption potatoes to map the environmental impact of their cultivation and then calculate the cost-effective way to reduce the impact, among other things in the context of the 'Farm to fork' strategy.
Growing consumption potatoes has great economic importance in Flanders, but this crop is known for its high use of plant protection products and fertilizers. There are no or hardly any tools, knowledge and information available for sustainability.
Research approach
The project partners are investigating the reduction of crop protection products and artificial fertilizers through decision support systems for weed and disease control, variety selection and the application of biostimulants. In addition, we are developing and demonstrating the possibilities of using remote sensing to control Colorado beetles in a site-specific manner and to implement variable and site-specific foliage killing by means of field tests.
Relevance/Valorisation
Through this project, we help growers evolve to a sustainable business model, which gives them a greater chance to be permanently successful in Flanders.The tools are also useful for policy, according to the researchers: they provide deeper insights and facilitate more informed policy choices.