Challenge
Frost damage poses a threat to agricultural production, especially in regions like Styria, where apple and pear harvests in 2023 declined by 18% and 45%, respectively. Climate change is causing more frequent late frost events, leading to significant crop losses. Active frost protection methods such as heaters, sprinklers, and wind machines are costly, operationally complex, and environmentally taxing. The challenge was to target frost protection measures more effectively while reducing costs, emissions, and resource consumption.
Solution
The Know Center developed KnowFROSTs – a system that combines IoT, predictive weather forecasting models, and Data Spaces. The key components are:
- IoT Devices: Sensor towers and weather stations installed in vineyards and orchards measure temperature, humidity, and thermal inversion in real time.
- Operational Efficiency: Significant improvements in the management of goods and resources, resulting in cost savings and operational reliability. Automation also reduced manual errors and improved response times.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduction in waste and resource overuse, contributing to the ecological sustainability of cruise operations. The project aligns with global sustainability goals by minimizing the carbon footprint of logistics.
- Enhanced Service Quality: Improved supply chain management ensures passengers enjoy a seamless and comfortable experience. Tailored provisioning has led to higher passenger satisfaction rates.
- Industry Leadership: MarineXchange’s initiative positions the cruise industry as a leader in sustainable practices, setting an example for other sectors to follow.
Implementation
Know Center implemented KnowFROST in collaboration with universities, Nexyo GmbH as the technology provider, and local farmers. Key steps included:
- Prototype Development: Creation of a Data Space that complies with European standards.
- Field Trials: Validation of the system in vineyards and orchards in Styria.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Alignment with research partners, technology providers, and farmers to ensure user needs were met.
Results
- More Accurate Frost Forecasts: Regional weather models with machine learning reduce false alarms and provide more reliable predictions.
- More Efficient Use of Frost Protection Methods: Farmers apply protective measures more precisely, lowering operating costs and environmental impact.
- Increased Data Exchange: The Data Space facilitates the secure exchange of data, strengthens stakeholder trust, and enables the continuous improvement of forecasting models.
Impact and Benefits
- Economic Benefits: Reduced operating costs (fuel, water) and fewer crop losses.
- Sustainability: Conservation of resources like water and energy, as well as reduced CO2 emissions through optimized protection measures.
- Innovative Agriculture: Data-driven decisions improve harvest yields, risk models for insurers, and predictive analyses for researchers.
- Regional Competitiveness: Through KnowFROSTs, Styria becomes a center for agricultural innovation, attracting new investments.
This success story was provided by the centre management and by the mentioned project partners for the purpose of being published on the FFG website. Know Center Research GmbH is a COMET Centre within the COMET – Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies Programme and funded by BMK, BMDW, as well as the federal states Styria, Vienna and Tyrol. The COMET Programme is managed by FFG. Further information on COMET: www.ffg.at/comet