HealthyLand aims to develop a web-based Geospatial Cyber Infrastructure (GCI) for the creation of an interoperable and highly customized Spatial Decision Support System S-DSS, which will have a national scope for Italy.

The project is set in an agricultural and environmental context, focusing on the need to address challenges related to the sustainable use of pesticides and fertilizers. Modern agriculture, while crucial for food production, can lead to negative impacts on the environment, such as soil and water pollution due to excessive use of chemicals. Decisions by public authorities regarding fertilizer and pesticide policies directly affect the lives of farmers and the surrounding ecosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to find innovative approaches that balance agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability.

HealthyLand, therefore, aims to address the challenges related to the sustainable management of agriculture, focusing on two distinct levels. Firstly, the project aims to provide answers to farmers and public authorities, creating a systemic framework that maximizes synergies. This will involve the interconnection of farmers and public authorities, considering government decisions that directly affect the lives of farmers, such as fertilizer and pesticide policies. Secondly, the project aims to develop a pipeline of S-DSS data modelling tools. These tools will enable the choice of the best farm planning and management factors to maximise synergies, minimise trade-offs and provide sustainability co-benefits.

The main objectives of the proposed project are:

1. Reduction and/or optimization of crop protection product (PPP) use
2. Optimization of fertilizer use
3. Multi-actor engagement and communication
4. Implementation of a geospatial platform
5. Environmental impacts assessment
6. Overall reduction of nutrient and pesticide losses

The project is led by E.M.M. s.r.l., with significant involvement from the AU SESS team. SESS contributes to HealthyLand concerning development of a research platform for Italian researchers to be able to use and extend the Animal Landscape and Man Simulation System (ALMaSS) simulation framework, enabling collaborative developments of tools and research into integrated pest management strategies in Italy. SESS will develop the code and data structures necessary to provide a functioning Italian hub for ALMaSS research within the Agritech consortium