Nitrous oxide (N₂O) from fertilizers in agriculture accounts for up to 6-7% of global man-made greenhouse gas emissions. Until now, challenges with both measuring and calculating nitrous oxide emissions have meant that simplified calculation methods have had to be used, which do not encourage farmers to fertilize their fields in ways that minimize nitrous oxide emissions into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the lack of standardized methods and facilities for testing new technologies has complicated the development and adoption of promising new solutions to reduce nitrous oxide emissions. 

"The solutions exist; we just need to confirm their potential and accelerate their implementation. SmartField has the potential to bring about significant changes at multiple levels, from individual farms to legislation and regulation, enabling a potential 20-30% reduction in N₂O emissions from Danish agricultural fields by 2030 (compared to current levels)," says Claus Felby, Senior Vice President at the Novo Nordisk Foundation. 

To meet the urgent need for new nitrogen technologies and solutions that farmers can adopt to reduce nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture, the Novo Nordisk Foundation has awarded up to DKK 134 million over the next five years (2024-2029) to establish an innovation platform called 'SmartField'. SmartField aims to test and verify known and new solutions in the form of cultivation methods, fertilization technology, and promising biological products that limit N₂O emissions. The project is led by the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), with Aarhus University being one of the partners. 

Aarhus University's role 

Aarhus University is taking the lead in the SmartField project. Professor and Head of Land-CRAFT – Center for Landscape Research in Sustainable Agricultural Futures – Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, serves as the scientific leader of the project and will help ensure the project's progress and the implementation of the latest technologies and research results. Additionally, the Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University heads several of the project's work packages: 

• WP1 - Field Measurement Infrastructure: Christian Dold from the Department of Agroecology leads this package alongside Ann Britt Værge from DTI. The work package focuses on establishing measurement infrastructure and super sites for continuous data collection. 

• WP2 - Data Assimilation and Modelling Hub: Diego Abalos from the Department of Agroecology leads this package, which develops modeling of nitrogen flows and nitrous oxide emissions based on field data to provide accurate estimates of N₂O emissions. 

• WP3 - Science Policy Practice Interface: Jørgen E. Olesen from the Department of Agroecology heads this package, which will create a forum for dialogue and collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and farmers. Morten Graversgaard leads the Science Policy Practice Forum, while Martin Hvarregaard Thorsøe is responsible for developing a MRV system (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification). 

Cross-sector collaboration 

SmartField is based on a Triple Helix model, where academia, industry, and the public sector work closely together. The project also involves the University of Copenhagen, Colorado State University, and SEGES Innovation, ensuring an interdisciplinary approach and international knowledge sharing. 

"Reducing nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils is a key element in the green transition of Danish agriculture. We believe that the SmartField platform will become a crucial tool in identifying solutions to reduce nitrous oxide emissions, ideally without compromising yields in the fields," says Jacob Jensen (V), Minister for Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries. 

"The effort against the climate crisis can also strengthen the development of new knowledge and technologies. The agricultural sector is expected to contribute nearly half of Denmark's national greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, so it is crucial that we work to reduce these emissions. The SmartField project is a very interesting step towards achieving climate goals for agriculture," elaborates Minister for Climate, Energy, and Utilities, Lars Aagaard (M). 

SmartField aims to reduce N₂O emissions from Danish agriculture by 20-30% by 2030 without compromising agricultural productivity or increasing nitrogen emissions into the environment. The project will also create better data models that can be used for future legislation and incentive structures, as well as strengthen farmers' ability to implement climate-friendly fertilization practices. 

With Aarhus University as the scientific leader and collaboration among all project participants, SmartField could become a key component in Denmark's green transition.