BioScope buys crop forecasting service

BioScope is part of LTO Companies and known for the Fieldscout app. With it, growers can use satellite images to gain insight into the growth of their crops and soil conditions.

VanBoven was founded in 2019 by Bas Nootebos, Eric Verhoeff and Kaz Vermeer. They developed the method with drone imagery, as a traditional tour of the field became increasingly difficult due to the increasing acreage. The technique was introduced in 2021.

© BioScope

The drone takes detailed pictures of the crop, after which the size of the screens can be determined for each broccoli plant. In this way, the optimal harvest times and harvest locations can be determined via growth models. At the same time, labor and logistics can be better planned or how many people and crates are needed for the harvest.

The predictions work per plot and planting date. BioScope maps the plots for this purpose. Based on the variety and weather, drone flights are scheduled per plot and the data made available to growers within 24 hours. The maps with the expected harvest date and size grading can be shared with others. Last year a rate of 150 euros per hectare was charged for this.

'The past period has shown that growers quickly recoup these costs,' says marketing manager Arnout Goeman of LTO Companies. 'We are really excited that our innovative services are now being expanded to include this activity. It gives a lot of opportunities in our services and further development of the technology.'

Source: newharvest