[MOSOM]

Programma di ricerca: KIC

Ambiti di ricerca: Agronomia e sistemi colturali erbacei ed ortofloricoli

Responsabile Scientifico:
Claudio Ciavatta

Durata:
01/01/2021 - 31/12/2022

Gruppi di ricerca:
Prof. Claudio Ciavatta, Prof.ssa Francesca Ventura

Manager di progetto: Ilaria Andreozzi

The MOSOM (Mapping of Soil Organic Matter) project aims to develop an accurate, efficient and convenient tool for remote assessment of organic matter within soil, with cross-European applicability and scalability potential. The proposed solution is based on several different Earth Observation techniques and a unique AIbased analysis architecture that, in combination, results in a beyond state-of-the-art solution for soil property assessment. The consortia devoted to develop the technology will form a basis for multiple future applications of the technology, serving for more efficient resource stewardship in Agriculture.

The ability to assess and track changes in soil organic matter is an important feature, in demand by agricultural stakeholders. Organic matter is a food source for various microorganisms and plants. It also affects soil structure, structural stability, air and heat properties, moisture absorption, nutrient availability, reduces soil erosion, absorbs various polluting substances and positively influences the agrochemical properties of soil. It is recognized as an important indicator of soil quality,

ecological balance and stability of the biosphere, influencing climate change on Earth through the absorption and release of carbon dioxide during decomposition. Organic matter is also involved in the main processes of organic matter transformation: humification, mineralization, fixation and migration which are crucial for nutrient saturation of the soil.