The core of the research project was to harness the potential of digital technologies in the agricultural and environmental sectors. Using freely available satellite data, algorithms and artificial intelligence, the researchers have developed a method that allows them to precisely estimate agricultural yields, even for parts of a field, and adapt fertilization precisely to yield expectations. As a result, significantly less nitrate enters the groundwater, which improves drinking water protection in particular. Burghausen/Burgkirchen served as a model region.
The project was funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry as well as the town of Burghausen and the municipality of Burgkirchen an der Alz. Farmers and drinking water protection consultants from the region supported the research team with their practical expertise.
Kurt-Jürgen Hülsbergen, Professor of Organic Farming and Crop Production Systems, Martin Mittermayer, Ludwig Hagn and Johannes Schuster (TUM) and Frank Leßke, Professor of Software Engineering at HSWT, gave an overview of the results of "digisens" and an outlook on future research work in the model region at the closing event. Wolfgang Hutterer, drinking water protection consultant for the Burghausen region, explained practical aspects with his contribution on the implementation of the research results in drinking water protection areas.
Roman Werner, Managing Director of the TUM Food and Agro Center for Innovation and Technology (FACIT) and TUM Venture Labs Food/Agro/Biotech (FAB), spoke about the promotion of innovations and start-ups at TUM. The results of "digisens" are now also to be transferred from research to the market: TUM is supporting the development of the start-up YieldXpert GmbH with a Bridge to Innovation Grant. The twelve TUM Venture Labs each specialize in one important field of technology. They offer the founding teams a direct connection to cutting-edge research, specific technical infrastructure, tailored training programs, expertise for the respective market and global networking with the industry and investors.
