Agroecology and Environment (department)
Earth Observation of Agroecosystems (research group)
Helge Aasen (team leader)
By using Earth Observations, spatial data sciences and AI, we support informed land-management decisions based on insights from the whole agricultural landscape.
Agroscope Reckenholz, Zürich
The Earth Observation of Agroecosystems (EOA) team at Agroscope conducts research at the interface of agroecology, plant ecophysiology, and data science to support more sustainable and resilient land management. Our central research theme is the holistic understanding of agroecosystems across spatial and temporal scales, enabling evidence-based, targeted decision-making for agriculture and environmental protection.
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A core focus of our work is plant phenotyping from the plot to the landscape scale using Earth Observation (EO). We integrate drone-based, proximal, and satellite EO data with agronomic expertise, spatial data science, and artificial intelligence to quantify plant traits and ecophysiological processes. This includes monitoring crop growth, stress responses, resource use efficiency, and interactions between plants, soil, and climate. By linking phenotypic information to environmental drivers, we support the identification of crop varieties and management activities that are better adapted to local and changing conditions.
Our research is supported by our research infrastructure, namely the Agricultural Landscape Intelligence System (ALIS) for large-scale monitoring, and the Drone-based Ecophysiological Research Infrastructure and Satellite Emulator (DERIS) for high-resolution experimental phenotyping. Together, they allow consistent scaling from individual plants and plots to landscapes and continental assessments.
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Beyond research, we actively contribute to education and training by sharing expertise in EO-based phenotyping, spatial analysis, and open, reproducible research practices with students, researchers, and stakeholders.
Through national and international collaborations, and as part of the strategic research division Agroecology and Environment within Agroscope, the EOA team aims to deliver accessible, long-term oriented knowledge that benefits society and future generations by improving the sustainability of agricultural land use.