This workpackage focuses on the potential effects of electromagnetic fields on agricultural setting.
Two teams of scientists are working closely together on this topic. One team is focusing on crop production while the other is focusing on the health & performance of cattle. Both sub-projects take exposure to electromagnetic fields in these specific agricultural settings into account.
Potential effects of electromagnetic fields in agricultural settings
Study of crop growh by drone images and field maps
During the previous project phase (2021 – 2025), teams from Ghent (University and Hogeschool Ghent) monitored a small number of maize and wheat fields, investigating the potential impact of electromagnetic fields on crop production. In this new project, they will continue to explore this potential effect ob increasing the number fields studied.
Farm visits
As part of the previous project (2021-2025), BBEMG teams developed a survey to better understand farmers’ and livestock breeders’ views on electromagnetic fields, collect testimonials and contact those who are concerned.
In response to the concerns reported by livestock farmers, the BBEMG will continue its investigations as part of the project (2025-2029). The aim of this new study is to verify the hypotheses of livestock farmers who have reported problems with their animals (mortality, abnormal behaviour) and who suspect that infrastructure emitting electromagnetic fields is the cause.
In order to carry out an in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis, visits will be organised to volunteer farms to collect more data on the observations of concerned farmers and assess the levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields on the farm, identifying possible causes for the reported problems.
