IUNG required a comprehensive solution that would enable the management of multiple farms, integration with sensors, and automatic data collection and reporting from machines and crops. To meet this need, the research project implemented the FarmPortal application, which allows for recording agrotechnical activities, managing farm resources, and planning production. The system integrates fieldwork data with information generated by machines, enabling automation of data collection and reporting.
For GPS location tracking and monitoring of agricultural machinery operation parameters, the Tracky device was used. It collects data from agricultural machine control systems (CAN - Controlled Area Network) and is integrated with FarmPortal, a farm management information system (FMIS). This integration enabled the implementation of an MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) system in the agri-food sector.
Technologies such as Tracky and FarmPortal support modern agriculture by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and limiting greenhouse gas emissions. They enable detailed monitoring of machinery, vehicles, employees, and farm conditions, as well as real-time analysis. Thanks to these solutions, farmers can better manage resources, plan activities more precisely, and respond quickly to potential risks.
Practical Application
The system was implemented in several experimental farms belonging to the institute, where sensors were installed on multiple tractors. FarmPortal facilitates the management and access to data provided by farm managers and employees, such as electronic field logs, recommendations, quality control, and telemetry data. This allows for consistent management of information from various farms within a central application.
The data collected from cooperating farms serves not only as an information source for the Institute but also as a basis for developing recommendations for farmers on crop optimization, efficient farm management, and emission reduction. Data reliability is ensured by direct retrieval from machine systems (CAN bus), eliminating the risk of manipulation.
Tracky devices are applicable both in scientific research and practice, making them a versatile tool for agriculture. They assist in farm resource management, facilitate equipment rental with work settlement based on the cultivated area, automate documentation, and support certification processes.
IUNG selected FarmPortal and Tracky for their versatility and broad applicability—sensors are compatible with any agricultural vehicle, even older models. Additional benefits include easy reporting, data export, and automation of multi-farm management. For older machines without a CAN bus, a fuel probe connection is available.
What is MRV and Why is it Important for the Research Project?
IUNG's implementation of MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) involves a set of actions aimed at:
- Monitoring key production-related parameters (e.g., fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, use of plant protection products). In this research project, this includes calculating work time for specific field areas across various agrotechnical treatments, monitoring fuel consumption of agricultural machines, and tracking weather conditions using meteorological stations.
- Reporting the collected data in a standardized and understandable format for all stakeholders (business partners, regulators, or consumers). IUNG utilizes aggregate reports and machine operation reports available in FarmPortal. Advanced analytics and modeling are accessible through the Agri Insights service.
- Verification of information to confirm its reliability and compliance with environmental and social objectives. All information is stored in a secure cloud environment with long-term retention and protection against unauthorized modifications. Tracky devices and meteorological stations include GPS location linked to data packets, enabling verification of reported information.
In practice, MRV is crucial for sustainable development and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting, which is gaining importance, particularly in the European Union. Digital solutions for agriculture, such as Tracky and FarmPortal, alleviate the burden on farmers, processing companies, and distributors by automating data acquisition throughout the supply chain—from field to table. Emission-related data is incorporated into the digital passports of agricultural products, generated within the FarmPortal system.
Monitoring Machine Operation Parameters, Fuel Optimization, and Loss Control
As part of its research project on estimating emissions from agrotechnical operations, IUNG utilizes Tracky devices and meteorological stations, integrated with the FarmPortal application. These sensors enable real-time monitoring of fuel consumption by agricultural machinery, GPS tracking, and recording routes along with vehicle parameters.
The system also allows for setting alerts to notify users of anomalies related to fuel loss and enables automatic registration of refueling events and performed treatments. These functionalities are used by farms and agricultural service providers to:
- Accurately determine the costs of crop cultivation by assigning fuel consumption to specific fields and operations.
- Automatically record agrotechnical treatments, improving electronic documentation and crop management.
- Analyze machine operator performance by monitoring engine load levels and optimizing RPM.
- Select appropriate machinery for specific tasks, adjusting tractor power to soil conditions and attached implements.
- Detect anomalies, such as unplanned fuel losses, equipment failures, or unauthorized use, thereby reducing operational costs.
- Track GPS locations in real time, improving work organization and monitoring task progress.
Conclusion
The Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation has gained a comprehensive set of tools for monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) within a single IT system. This has significantly streamlined the research project’s execution, reduced implementation time, and lowered costs. Thanks to Tracky devices and FarmPortal, agriculture is becoming more efficient, precise, and environmentally friendly. Farmers can cut expenses, manage machinery more effectively, and implement eco-friendly innovations. Agricultural service providers benefit from machinery location tracking, prevention of unauthorized fuel losses, and improved work reports with accurate cost estimates.
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