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VIDTWIN Operational Group: Digital Twin and Intelligent Biostimulation for Sustainable and Resilient Viticulture

  • Type Operational group
  • Status In progress
  • Execution 2026 -2028
  • Assigned Budget 599.926,00 €
  • Scope Supraautonómico
  • Autonomous community Andalucía; Castilla y León; Castilla - La Mancha
  • Main source of financing CAP 2023-2027
Abstract
R1-O1 (R1): Definition of relevant multi-source data for vineyard management. This outcome aims to identify and structure the data necessary to populate the vineyard's digital twin. First, key variables related to agronomic management will be identified, including water, soil, climate, physiological, and phenological variables. This will involve a literature and technical review of standards and methodologies to determine the most appropriate data types and sources. Subsequently, sensors and data sources will be selected and integrated, including sensors for soil moisture and temperature, salinity, pH, nutrients (N, P, K), environmental variables, and water consumption, as well as satellite imagery and multispectral cameras. Furthermore, a low-power monitoring network based on NB-IoT, connected to a cloud architecture, will be implemented. Prior to this, soil zoning will be carried out in the pilot farms to define the optimal location of the sensors.

R2-O1 (R2): Digital twin platform for vineyard real-time agronomic simulation. This outcome involves the development of a digital platform that integrates and analyzes vineyard data to support real-time agronomic decision-making. First, the data integration system will be designed, defining the necessary architecture for the storage, standardization, and connectivity of different information sources, such as IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and laboratory analyses. An interoperable and scalable digital architecture will be developed, including the system's logical structure, user interfaces, visualization dashboards, and APIs that facilitate integration with other platforms and allow for future system expansion. Finally, field integration tests will be conducted by deploying the system in two pilot locations, verifying the correct operation of the sensors, communications, data visualization, and information collection.

R1-O2 (R3): Construction of the functional digital twin of the vineyard. This outcome will focus on developing a digital model capable of representing the vineyard's functioning and simulating its evolution under different conditions. First, key soil-plant variables will be modeled, integrating edaphological, agronomic, and physiological parameters using artificial intelligence techniques and multivariate analysis. Subsequently, simulation and prediction algorithms will be developed to estimate the vineyard's evolution based on climatic and management conditions, generating predictions about water requirements, nutritional status, and potential phytosanitary risks. Finally, the digital twin will be validated in pilot environments, comparing the model's predictions with real data obtained in the field. Based on these results, adjustments will be made to the model, and accuracy reports and recommendations for its improvement and practical application will be prepared.

R1-O3 (R4): Improved Resource Use Through Predictive Models. This outcome aims to optimize resource use in vineyards by developing predictive tools integrated into the digital twin. First, predictive models will be developed, tailored to the specific conditions of each pilot project. These models will combine historical data, real-time information, and phenological variables to improve the efficiency of water, fertilizer, and pesticide use. They will then be integrated into the digital twin platform, incorporating algorithms capable of generating automatic agronomic alerts and recommendations based on data analysis. Finally, the generated recommendations will be validated in the field, comparing them with standard agronomic practices. Based on these trials, the improvements in production efficiency and savings in agricultural inputs will be quantified.

R1-O4 (R5): Evaluation of the impact of microalgal biostimulants on soil and crops. This result will evaluate the agronomic, environmental, and economic effects of using microalgal biostimulants in vineyards. First, photobioreactors will be installed and adjusted in each pilot project, adapting them to the specific conditions of each farm and incorporating the necessary components for their proper functioning. Subsequently, the system will be integrated with the vineyard's irrigation systems, ensuring adequate biostimulant dosage in the experimental plots. Furthermore, soil, microbiological, and physiological parameters will be monitored, evaluating aspects such as soil structure, microbial biodiversity, nutrient availability, and crop vigor, in order to analyze the agronomic and ecological impact of the treatments. Finally, an analysis of the economic impact of the solution will be carried out, evaluating implementation costs, savings, benefits, and return on investment (ROI).

O1-RD1: Achieve communication and visibility for the project in key sectors, especially within the scientific community, the agricultural sector, and wine production. Several actions will be undertaken to achieve this. First, a Communication Plan will be developed, defining target audiences, key messages, channels, action schedule, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure consistent dissemination aligned with the project objectives (Act 1. RD1). Additionally, the project's Corporate Identity will be designed, establishing common visual and communicative elements (logo, colors, typography, and graphic style) to guarantee a recognizable and professional image across all materials (Act 2. RD1). Furthermore, a Launch Day will be organized to officially present the project, its objectives, and benefits, facilitating its initial positioning and establishing contact with stakeholders in the sector (Act 3. RD1). Finally, a launch press release will be prepared and distributed to specialized media outlets to broaden its reach and visibility (Act 4. RD1).

O2-RD2: Positioning and dissemination of the project throughout its duration, with the aim of increasing its visibility in the wine sector and in the field of agricultural innovation. Various digital and in-person communication activities will be developed. A project website will be created to serve as a central platform for information on objectives, activities, and results (Act 1. RD2). Social media profiles will be developed to facilitate direct communication with the public and broaden reach (Act 2. RD2). Specific content will be created for the website and social media, ensuring continuous updates and engaging, accessible communication (Act 3. RD2). Promotional videos will be produced to visually showcase the project's progress and benefits (Act 4. RD2). Participation in industry events will be encouraged to strengthen collaborative networks and position the project (Act 5. RD2), along with media outreach to expand its reach (Act 6. RD2). Finally, promotional material will be designed to support communication and dissemination actions (Act 7. RD2).

RD3: Exploitation of Results. To achieve this result, four activities will be developed to disseminate and transfer the project's findings to the sector. First, field demonstration days will be organized at the project's pilot sites, initially planned for three locations corresponding to the participating autonomous communities. These days will be held starting in the second year, once preliminary results are available, and during periods of lower agricultural activity to facilitate sector participation (Act 1. RD3). Additionally, the results will be disseminated through specialized regional and national media to ensure they reach the wine and agricultural sectors (Act 2. RD3). Press releases will also be prepared throughout the project, including at least two in addition to the launch release, to maintain the project's visibility and communicate relevant milestones (Act 3. RD3). Finally, a final project video will be produced, summarizing the main results, activities, and achievements obtained throughout its implementation (Act 4. RD3).

Description

The expected results of the project will provide an interoperable and scalable digital environment that integrates multi-source data for advanced vineyard management (R1-O1 (R1)), as well as the development of a digital twin platform for real-time agronomic simulation (R2-O1 (R2)). Building on this foundation, a functional digital twin of the vineyard will be constructed (R1-O2 (R3)) to enable predictive modeling of the crop and its response to different management scenarios. Predictive models and decision support tools will also be integrated to improve the efficiency of resource use, such as irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides (R1-O3 (R4)). Finally, the impact of microalgal biostimulants on soil structure, microbiology, and fertility will be evaluated (R1-O4 (R5)), validating their agronomic, economic, and environmental viability and contributing to more sustainable viticulture aligned with current regulatory requirements.

Description of activities

VIDTWIN is structured around activities focused on defining, developing, and validating a digital twin of the vineyard and evaluating biostimulants using microalgae. In R1-O1 (R1), key agronomic variables will be identified, and sensors, images, and data sources will be selected and integrated, establishing an IoT network and zoning the pilot plots. In R2-O1 (R2), an interoperable and scalable digital architecture will be designed and implemented, including data integration, dashboard development, and field testing on the two pilot farms. In R1-O2 (R3), the soil-plant system will be modeled using algorithms, and the digital twin will be validated under real-world conditions. In R1-O3 (R4), decision support models will be developed and integrated to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and plant protection, quantifying the resulting savings. Finally, in R1-O4 (R5) photobioreactors will be installed, microalgal biostimulants will be applied and their agronomic, environmental and economic impact will be evaluated, including the analysis of feasibility and return on investment.

Objectives

Improving vineyard sustainability, efficiency, and resilience through an interoperable digital twin, integrating predictive and regenerative technologies for smart, adaptive, efficient, and climate-responsible viticulture.

Contact information
  • Coordinator/entity name: Ayesa Foundation
  • Mailing address: Marie Curie Avenue 2
  • Email coordinator/entity: info@fundacionayesa.org
  • Telephone: (+34) 954467046
Coordinators
  • Fundación Ayesa
Beneficiaries
  • VIÑEDOS DEL RIO TAJO S.L
  • DOMINIO FOURNIER S.L
  • G2G algae solutions S.L.
  • ASOCIACIÓN DE INVESTIGACIÓN Y COOPERACIÓN INDUSTRIAL DE ANDALUCÍA F. DE PAULA ROJAS (AICIA)
  • Consejo Superior de Investigacines Científicas
  • Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de Andalucía