This is a project funded by DAAD Germany that is run in collaboration with University of Offenburg Germany. It will run for two years 2024-25.
In this project “AGRARIAN”, the soil condition shall be investigated by using ground penetrating radar (GPR) in combination with the application Artificial Intelligence (AI). GPR is a geophysical method that uses electromagnetic waves to image the subsurface. This non-destructive method operates in the microwave frequency band (UHF/VHF frequencies) of the radio spectrum, and detects the reflected signals from subsurface. With GPR, changes in the relative permittivity and conductivity induced due to the use of pesticides and fertilizers can be detected. This would provide information about the soil conditions for sustainable agriculture. In addition, with GPR information, the type of soil could be determined in order to apply soil improvement treatments. The solution is to introduce and expand precision agriculture and targeted fertilization, which, in turn, require a thorough understanding of soil properties and subsurface conditions. This would allow to monitor the soil condition continuously without disturbing the soil.
The GPR will be operated locally, but could be also attached to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in the future to provide an area-wide agriculture soil monitoring. Further, the combination of the GPR technique with surface analysis techniques, as e.g. cameras and ground sensors, allows to retrieve more information with respect to the health of plants.
The project “AGRARIAN” will facilitate intercultural exchange and enhance the network between HSO and UoL. Through the joint research work on an extremely relevant social topic, scientists will be further trained professionally and methodically.
AGRARIAN-2 Workshop is scheduled on 17th December 2024 at LUMS Lahore Pakistan.
Two exchange students from LUMS went to University of Offenburg Germany for Fall 2024 semester.
AGRARIAN-1 Workshop was held at University of Offenburg Germany in July 2024.
Two Professors from Pakistan did a research visit to University of Offenburg Germany in July-August 2024.
Dr. Yasir Niaz Khan (LUMS)
Dr. Marlene Harter (HSO
Dr. Asim (Comsats)
Dr. Mian Awais (LUMS)
Mr. Nicolas (HSO)
Mr. Muhammad Waqar (LUMS)
Mr. Noor Ul Hassan (LUMS)
Mr. Moeez Irfan (LUMS)