The goal of this project is to assess possibilities to use proximal and remote sensor techniques to augment the precision in nitrogen fertilization of durum wheat in Tunisia. The project will test the possibility to develop satellite image-based models for nitrogen uptake in wheat in Tunisia, which can be used in decision support systems for optimizing nitrogen fertilization. Field trials are carried in irrigated and rainfed fields in different climatic zones of Tunisia, including sub-humid and arid areas.

Key results :

• -Vegetation indices ( e.g, NDRE ) were recorded alongside chlorophyll concentrations (SPAD readings) and laboratory-analyzed N concentrations.
• -Both NDVI and NDRE reached saturated levels which limited further N-related measurement after plant tillering stages (Growth Stage 31-39) resulting in a weak correlation between N content and both vegetation indices.
• -Lower vegetation index values were observed as plants shifted growth after spikelet emergence ( Growth 50 – 58 )
• -Field days were organized to engage wheat farmers on sustainable farming practices, N management, and applications of satellite and proximal sensing technologies.
• -The project supports a M.Sc. student in data refinement and advanced N modeling.
• -Continued collaboration aims to improve our understanding of N dynamics and advanced agricultural decision-making tools.

The National Institute of Field Crops (INGC)
National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia (INAT)
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)

Beja, Manouba, Kairouan, Siliana –

Arid to Sub-humid field crop production regions