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Collaborative project: Sensor applications for sustainable apple production and storage - subproject 2 (Apfel4NULL)

Project


Project code: 2818510M18
Contract period: 01.07.2021 - 15.05.2023
Budget: 116,249 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: modeling, crop protection, plant health, fruit production, irrigation, product quality, resource protection, resource efficiency, pome, horticulture, data management

The project "Apple4.NULL" aims to improve the sustainability of German apple production through automation and digital technologies. To this end, a network of non-destructive sensors will be set up to use data for targeted model-based control of various processes in apple production and storage. In addition to seasonal weather conditions, the most important factors influencing fruit quality and storage life, during the pre- and post-harvest periods, can be monitored with sensors. Control mechanisms and modelling related to water usage and fruit stress will be developed and the management of the orchard and storage adapted accordingly. In the "Apple4.NULL" orchard, the sprayer will be equipped with a digital assistant to optimise plant protection product usage, to reduce spray drift and access weather data and GIS information with the legal spray boundary requirements. The sprayer will use LiDAR sensor technology to assess the tree canopies. Existing sensors controlling CA storage rooms will be enhanced with intelligent defrosting algorithms for the refrigeration system. In storage changes in fruit quality will be continuously monitored and storage systems controlled via an intuitive software interface that will also enable other partners in the fruit value chain to access information. New technologies developed in the project will be directly implemented in commercial fruit growing practice via a number of industry project partners.

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Subjects

Excutive institution

Farmunited GmbH

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