At the Bottelare Experimental Farm, HOGENT, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and Ghent University (UGent) are showcasing the future of agriculture: data-driven, sustainable and supported by advanced technology. On April 23, Flemish Minister of Agriculture Jo Brouns visited the farm to experience firsthand how artificial intelligence, sensors, drones and a private 5G network provide concrete solutions for the agricultural sector. This visit highlights the Flemish Government's strong interest and investment in the digital transformation of the primary sector.
At the Bottelare Experimental Farm, innovative and scalable applications are developed through close collaboration between researchers from HOGENT and UGent, the agricultural industry and the government. These developments align with key policy priorities, such as the protein strategy and the digital transformation of agriculture. The presence of Minister Brouns underscores the importance the Flemish Government attaches to these technological breakthroughs.
5G as a catalyst for innovation
The technological backbone of the site is a private 5G network, developed within the European 5GENIUS-project, a partnership between HOGENT and Citymesh. With European support, 5G infrastructure has been rolled out across three campuses since 2024, covering nearly 40 hectares. This makes HOGENT the first university of applied sciences in Belgium to implement 5G as part of a broad digital strategy on this scale.
The private 5G network enables ultra-fast and stable data connections over large areas, which is essential in an agricultural context where traditional Wi-Fi falls short. On the experimental farm, this technology creates a unique ecosystem where data is collected, analysed and applied in the field in real time.
"A 5G network ensures that the Bottelare Experimental Farm not only possesses the most advanced sensors and technology but can also fully focus on the precision agriculture of the future, where 'smart data usage' is essential", says researcher Kevin Dewitte.
KUROSENS: Smart analysis of silage
One of the most innovative research projects on-site is KUROSENS, which focuses on the quality and preservation of silage. In Flanders, fodder crops are often ensiled, but the resulting fermentation process is complex and difficult to monitor.
In a specially equipped climate chamber, researchers combine robotics with advanced imaging. "Micro-silos" are automatically weighed and monitored by a robot, while thermal cameras detect temperature changes and heating. Hyperspectral cameras go a step further, making it possible to detect fungi and mycotoxins (toxic natural compounds produced by fungi) at an early stage.
The significant added value of this project lies in its connection to data analysis and the 5G network. All data is processed in real time, giving researchers better insight into the fermentation process and allowing farmers to manage feed quality and reduce losses more effectively in the future.
In a specifically equipped climate chamber, robotics are combined with advanced imaging. Micro-silos are automatically weighed and monitored by a robot.
EcoHarvest FieldLab: A laboratory on wheels
In addition to research in controlled conditions, there is a heavy focus on field measurements. The EcoHarvest FieldLab is a mobile research platform that allows farmers and researchers to analyze crops directly in the field.
This "lab on wheels" is equipped with an automatic weighing and sampling system, Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS), and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic)-GPS. It continuously collects data on crop yield, quality and location, allowing for an accurate evaluation of the impact of agricultural practices such as fertilization, irrigation or harvest timing.
By integrating various sensors, a holistic view of the plot is created. This approach offers new insights into how agricultural production can be optimized while respecting biodiversity and soil health. The integration with the 5G network ensures that this data is processed quickly and securely, significantly increasing the efficiency of the research.
Both the climate chamber and the trial field harvester were purchased with the support of VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship) funding, further proving the Flemish Government's commitment to these innovations.
The EcoHarvest FieldLab is a mobile research platform that allows farmers and researchers to analyse crops directly in the field.
Precision agriculture in action
The applications at the experimental farm demonstrate how precision agriculture is becoming a reality. Sensors measure soil moisture and crop growth, drones monitor plant stress via thermal imaging, and machinery is equipped with GPS and data technology for high-precision work.
This approach allows for the minimization of inputs such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides, while optimizing yield and quality. The result is an agricultural model that is both economically and ecologically more sustainable.
From research to practice
What makes the Bottelare Experimental Farm unique is the direct link between research and practice. Innovations are not only developed here but also tested and validated in a realistic agricultural environment. The collaboration between HOGENT, UGent and industrial partners accelerates this transition.
"This is also a huge asset for education. Students are trained in these new technologies, ensuring that knowledge flows directly into the sector", says Kevin Dewitte. "Additionally, it opens up opportunities to support startups with sensor integration in agriculture."
Flemish Minister of Agriculture Jo Brouns expressed his appreciation for the applications at the farm: "Precision agriculture, smart sensors and data-driven applications give farmers new tools to produce more efficiently and sustainably. By bringing research, education and the sector together, HOGENT ensures that digital innovation actually works in the field and reaches the farmer. The strength of Flanders lies in innovation and we are seeing that here in a very concrete way", Minister Brouns concluded.
"The strength of Flanders lies in innovation, and we are seeing that here in a very concrete way in practice." Jo Brouns, Flemish Minister of Agriculture."
5Genius: HOGENT's digital future with Citymesh's 5G technology was made possible with the support of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital) programme.
