VEGETATION Project

InnoVative tEchnoloGies for non-invasivE assessmenT of plAnt healTh conditIon to support precisiOn farmiNg (VEGETATION).

VEGETATION is an experimental research project aiming to revolutionize plant health monitoring in precision agriculture through the use of advanced electromagnetic sensors based on microwave and Mid-Infrared (Mid-IR) technologies. The system is designed to enable localized and ultra-localized measurements, with direct applications in reducing pesticide use and optimizing irrigation strategies. The project focuses on the development of non-invasive, portable technologies that can be integrated into agricultural machinery, providing real-time data on leaf water content, sap flow, and the presence of contaminants. 
The project includes the development and validation of: 
a millimeter-wave microwave sensor for remote detection of plant water content and sap flow;
a Mid-IR optical system based on fluoroindate or chalcogenide glass fibers to detect pesticide residues directly in the field; 
a miniaturized, operational prototype to be mounted on a tractor bar and tested on controlled experimental setups.
All experimental activities will be conducted in shielded and laboratory environments, through a synergy among three research units: UNIPAR (project coordinator), POLIBA, and UNICA. The approach integrates electromagnetic modeling, photonics, spectroscopy, and advanced radar techniques, with a strong focus on application, environmental impact, and industrial scalability.

Project portal: [to be activated]
Total budget: € 300,000
Funding: Italian Ministry of University and Research – PRIN 2022 – PNRR – South Line
Duration: 24 months (January 2024 – December 2025)
Research Area: Sustainability, Precision Agriculture, Remote Sensing, Photonics and Microwave Technologies
Principal Investigator (PI): Prof. Maurizio Migliaccio – University of Naples “Parthenope”, Prof. Giuseppe Mazzarella