Carbon - Friuli Venezia Giulia

The Carbon Living Lab – Friuli Venezia Giulia was born from careful listening to the farmers in the Agritech network, who from the very first exchanges highlighted that preserving soil quality—particularly organic matter—is a top priority for the future of agriculture. In response to this need, the project aims to promote innovative and sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, provide farmers with practical technical tools, create spaces for dialogue and experimentation, and disseminate key results for effective and resilient management of agricultural resources.

The Living Lab involves 25 local farms, ERSA – Regional Agency for Rural Development, and the University of Udine (UNIUD) in a collaborative network that brings together scientific expertise, practical experience, and advanced technologies. Among the participating farms, three wineries are conducting cover crop trials in vineyards, while five arable and livestock farms serve as demonstration cases for the adoption of conservation agriculture practices.

One of the core activities of the project, carried out in collaboration with ERSA, is the assessment of the impact of different agricultural practices on water, carbon, and energy in arable systems, using the AGRICS digital platform, developed by the agency itself. In parallel, an artificial intelligence tool is being developed to analyze soil cover, useful for monitoring crops and weeds, and potentially extendable to the quantification of crop residues.

The Living Lab also organizes open days dedicated to sharing results and showcasing innovative practices. These events are essential for fostering dialogue among farmers, technicians, and researchers, and for co-creating practical and sustainable solutions for protecting and improving soil quality.