Technology Center Phenotyping in Merkendorf

• X-ray technology
• RGB camera
• Hyperspectral camera
• Laser light sectioning
• LiDAR
• NIR

By using X-ray technology, it is possible to optically represent the structures of a plant that would otherwise be inaccessible. For example, the root length of a plant can be measured without removing it from its environment (e.g., plant pot).

Continuous monitoring of a growth process with variation in

• Water
• Temperature  
• Stress

Automated and objective determination of parameters  

• Sizes/Lengths/Volumes
• Dataset for models/simulations

Analysis of optically inaccessible plant parts

• Underground growth
• »Hidden« above-ground growth

High-resolution 3D structural analysis

• Number of cells
• Diameter of xylem

Infrastructure for phenotyping

• 2x 100 plant climate chambers
• 1x 200 plant climate chamber
• 1x manual climate chamber
• Pot size: 17 cm and 22 cm diameter, height up to 40 cm
• Plant height: max. 2.4 m including pot
• Plant diameter max. 1 m
• Temperature range 5°C to 30°C
• CO2 and humidity regulation
• Automatic irrigation (weight/volume/fertilization)
• Plant transport via a workpiece carrier system
• X-ray technology (2D/3D)
• 3D laser light sectioning sensors
• 2D/3D RGB sensors
• Future: Multi- and hyperspectral sensors
• Station for automatic destructive sampling
• Chamber for dark adaptation (chlorophyll fluorescence measurement)

Sensor systems

• X-ray technology (2D/3D)
• 3D laser light sectioning measurements  
• 2D RGB measurements + NIR
• Station for automatic destructive sampling

Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) is a renowned university of applied sciences in Bavaria that specializes in the fields of environment, agriculture, nutrition, biotechnology, landscape architecture and sustainable development and offers practice-oriented education and research in these areas.

Triesdorf is best known for its agricultural teaching facilities, which are closely linked to the university.

Through its practice-oriented work, the university plays a central role in training the specialists needed to tackle global challenges such as climate change, food security and resource conservation. With its focus on sustainability and innovative technologies, the HSWT makes an important contribution to the sustainable development of agriculture, the environment and society.

Study programs:

The HSWT offers a wide range of Bachelor's and Master's degree courses in various subject areas:

• Agricultural Sciences
• Digitalization & Technology
• Nutrition & Food 
• Ecology & Environmental Planning  
• Climate & Environmental Protection
• Economy & Management

Research areas:

The university is heavily involved in applied research and works on practical projects that contribute directly to solving current challenges. Key research areas are:

• Land use, nutrition & health
• Climate change, biodiversity & environmental protection
• Renewable raw materials, renewable energies & energy efficiency

Practical orientation:

A hallmark of the HSWT is the close integration of theory and practice. The university maintains its own experimental plants, research facilities and laboratories where students receive practical training. In addition, there are numerous collaborations with companies, authorities and other research institutions, which enable students to gain valuable practical experience.

The HSWT Innovation Campus is a strategic project that aims to link research, teaching and practice more closely in the fields of environment, agriculture and forestry, nutrition, biotechnology and sustainable development. HSWT, a renowned university of applied sciences in Bavaria, has launched the Innovation Campus to drive innovation and promote exchange between science, business and society.

The Innovation Campus serves as a platform for interdisciplinary research projects and offers space for start-ups, companies and research groups to work together on pioneering solutions. The campus thus promotes the development of new technologies and methods that are crucial for the sustainable use of natural resources and an environmentally friendly economy.

A central component of the Innovation Campus is the close cooperation with regional and international partners in order to quickly put research results into practice. In addition, the campus supports the training of specialists by offering innovative teaching and learning formats that prepare students for the challenges of the future.

Overall, the Innovation Campus aims to strengthen the region's competitiveness, promote sustainable innovation and contribute to tackling global challenges such as climate change and food security.

The Competence Centre for Digital Agriculture (KoDA) at HSWT is an institution that specializes in the research, development and implementation of digital technologies in agriculture. The aim of the competence center is to make agriculture more efficient, sustainable and future-proof through the use of modern technologies.

Main objectives and focal points of the competence center:

• Research and development: KoDA is involved in researching new digital technologies that can be used in agriculture. These include precision farming, smart farming, sensor technology, drone technology, data management and artificial intelligence (AI).
• Practical applications: A key aspect of KoDA is the development of practical solutions that can be applied directly on farms. This includes the optimization of cultivation methods, the improvement of animal management and the more efficient use of resources such as water and fertilizers.
• Knowledge transfer and training: KoDA offers training courses, workshops and further education programs to prepare farmers, students and specialists for the requirements of digital agriculture. The aim is to impart the necessary knowledge to use digital technologies effectively and thus increase the productivity and sustainability of farms.
• Interdisciplinary cooperation: The competence center works closely with other research institutes, companies and farms to ensure the broad application and further development of the technologies. This interdisciplinary cooperation ensures that the solutions developed are tailored to the actual needs of agriculture.
• Promoting sustainable agriculture: The use of digital technologies is intended to make agricultural processes not only more efficient, but also more environmentally friendly. KoDA therefore also focuses on the development of solutions that help to reduce environmental pollution and conserve natural resources.

Importance of the competence center:

The Competence Centre for Digital Agriculture plays a central role in the digitalization of agriculture in Bavaria and beyond. It helps to strengthen the competitiveness of agricultural businesses by making innovative technologies accessible and promoting their use in practice. At the same time, KoDA makes an important contribution to the sustainable development of agriculture by developing solutions that reconcile ecological and economic aspects.

The Biomass Institute is a joint institution of the HSWT and Ansbach University of Applied Sciences. It is dedicated to the research, development and application of technologies and concepts relating to the use of biomass as a sustainable energy source and raw material and plays an important role in the regional and national strategy for the promotion of renewable energies and sustainable technologies.

Overall, the Biomass Institute serves as a bridge between science, industry and society to promote the sustainable use of biomass and contribute to the reduction of fossil energy sources.

Main objectives and focal points of the Biomass Institute:

• Research and development: the institute conducts research into innovative methods of using biomass for energy production, for example through biogas production, thermochemical conversion (such as pyrolysis and gasification), or the production of biofuels. Processes for using biomass as a raw material for bio-based materials and chemicals are also being investigated.
• Sustainability and resource efficiency: A central focus is on the development of sustainable concepts that cover the entire value chain of biomass use - from biomass production to energy or material use to the utilization of by-products and residues.
• Practice-oriented projects: The institute works closely with industry and other research institutions to develop practical solutions. This includes pilot projects in which new technologies are tested and optimized on an industrial scale.
• Education and knowledge transfer: In addition to research, the Biomass Institute is also involved in teaching. It offers courses of study, further education and workshops to train students and specialists in the relevant areas and to promote the transfer of knowledge into practice.
• Interdisciplinary cooperation: The institute combines various disciplines, including engineering, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences and economics, in order to develop holistic and innovative solutions for the use of biomass.

The Landwirtschaftlichen Lehranstalten Triesdorf (LLA) form the heart of the educational center. They are the connection between practice, teaching and research. Together, innovations are tested for their applicability and transferability. In Triesdorf, 330 hectares of arable land - 112 hectares of which are organic in cooperation with the Lichtenau prison - are used to supply livestock and market crops. In addition to the experimental areas, the educational institutions also have access to the stables and the technology at the Specialist Center for Energy and Agricultural Engineering. 

The departments are divided as follows:

• Specialist Center for Energy and Agricultural Engineering
• Animal husbandry with animal husbandry school
• Plant cultivation and experimentation
• Nutrition and Home Economics

In addition, the LLA provides catering and accommodation for course and seminar participants as well as pupils and students. In order to cover this spectrum, around 160 people are employed at the LLA.

The Landwirtschaftlichen Lehranstalten are an institution of the district of Middle Franconia.

The Triesdorf Education Center is unique in Germany in its range of educational offerings. It covers a variety of training opportunities in the fields of agricultural sciences, nutrition and food management, as well as environmental protection. More than 3,000 students from Germany and abroad take advantage of the programs offered by the ten schools and the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University. Through the concentration of these educational institutions and their intensive collaboration, resources are optimally utilized and special competencies are developed. This allows for a high level of expertise to be offered in teaching. The contact between trainees, students, and university students broadens their horizons and knowledge, making it easier for them to decide on their further educational paths.

At the heart of the education center are the Agricultural Schools (LLA). They provide a comprehensive infrastructure for a solid practical education for the educational institutions. Additionally, a wide range of training and further education opportunities is also available for external participants.

ANs WERK is a joint initiative of Ansbach University of Applied Sciences and HSWT. The project aims to strengthen the start-up culture at both universities and to support students and employees on their way to setting up a business.

Goals of ANs WERK:

• Promoting entrepreneurial spirit: ANs WERK aims to promote an entrepreneurial spirit among students and staff by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and successfully implement their own business ideas.
• Start-up support: The program offers comprehensive support for prospective founders. This includes advice, workshops, mentoring and access to networks and resources that are important for starting a business.
• Practical education: ANs WERK attaches great importance to practice-oriented learning formats. Participants can learn through real projects, practical phases and direct exchange with experienced entrepreneurs and experts.
• Networking: Another goal is to build and maintain a strong network of business, science and public institutions. This network is intended to help founders make valuable contacts that will support them in developing and scaling up their business ideas.
• Promoting innovation: ANs WERK serves as an incubator for innovative ideas and promotes projects that contribute to solving current social and economic challenges.

Significance for universities and the region:

ANs WERK helps to strengthen the start-up landscape in the region and promotes the development of innovative start-ups that can contribute to economic development in the long term. In addition, the close connection between research, teaching and practice strengthens the innovative power of the universities.

The project plays an important role in establishing Ansbach University of Applied Sciences and HSWT as centers for innovation and business start-ups.