The Hague AI Innovation Advances Global Soil Health Monitoring

The Hague, the Netherlands, Mar 5: A new artificial intelligence system developed by The Hague-based Veridi Technologies, in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research (WUR), marks a breakthrough in identifying nematode species. Normally this is complex, costly, and requires specialised expertise, which is available only at a limited number of places worldwide. This AI system can now independently recognise the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne chitwoodi through a microscope. In tests, its performance matched that of an experienced taxonomic nematologist. 

Harmful nematodes such as root-knot and stem nematodes affect crops including ornamental flower bulbs, onions and seed potatoes. Infected crops may become deformed or unsuitable for export. Researchers estimate that plant-parasitic nematodes reduce global agricultural output by around 10 per cent, costing growers tens of billions of euros annually.  

To address this bottleneck, Veridi Technologies developed an AI-based identification system integrated into its advanced microscope platform, the Nemascope™. The company, headquartered in The Hague, specialises in applying artificial intelligence to biological diagnostics. Working closely with WUR nematode experts, the Veridi team trained the AI model using thousands of accurately annotated microscope images. Wageningen researchers supplied verified specimens from controlled cultures and conducted validation checks to ensure scientific reliability. 

Ziad Matar, CEO of Veridi Technologies

“This breakthrough demonstrates how artificial intelligence can make highly specialised biological expertise accessible at scale. Healthy soil is the foundation of our food systems, and food security is closely linked to social and economic stability. When farmers have reliable tools to understand what is happening beneath their fields, they can make better decisions, reduce unnecessary chemical use and protect yields. In that sense, investing in soil health is also investing in a more resilient and ultimately more balanced world.”