Digging for Innovation – a Challenge Prize by Farm491 and BASF

The Problem – with a world population expected to reach over 9 billion by 2050, much of the current debate around the future of farming focuses on the duality of sustainably providing enough nutritious food for this growing population whilst conserving the natural resource base upon which we are all dependent.

Agriculture is the biggest driver of land conversion and biodiversity loss and as such, the sector must strive towards new technology and farming practices which actively contribute to promoting soil health, storing carbon and protecting biodiversity.

The Challenge – can biodiversity and productivity co-exist?

Farm491 and BASF want to hear from those innovators working on tools and approaches across the agricultural sectors that address the issues between soil health,climate change, productivity and biodiversity. How can technology and innovation help farmers improve all?

Areas your company or business idea could cover include but are not limited to:

  • Quantifying soil quality
  • Optimising nutrient uptake
  • Measuring soil carbon
  • Measuring soil biodiversity
  • Measuring roots