Research areas
Plant cultivation technology
Land is a limited and non-renewable resource. We develop soil protecting mechanical operations and improve irrigation procedures for the sustainable production of food, feed and renewables. Gentle navigating on agricultural and forest land protects the soil structure and helps to achieve climate protection targets. We analyse the profitability and environmental sustainability of soil cultivation and irrigation in order to ensure continuous supply of food and renewables for the society.
Automation technology
We support the conservation of natural resources in plant production as well as animal welfare in animal production with contactless sensors and innovative measurement methods. Examples are measuring the growth of plants or detecting animal diseases by means of their sounds.
Environmental technology
Crop production and animal husbandry causes gaseous and particle emissions that lead to environmental pollution and unpleasant odour. In the institute assess integrated techniques are developed and assessed, which on one hand reduce those emissions and on the other hand convert agricultural waste into valuable products. Nutrient recycling, production of biogas and utilization of liquid biofuels help to conserve resources and to protect the environment.
Renewables conversion technology
Biomass is the only renewable source of carbon for organic products. We develop integrated techniques for the production of bio-based raw materials for the chemical industry. Chemical and bio-technological conversion processes are used to achieve this aim. Already at an early development stage we assess the sustainability of the applied techniques and processes.