Methods of precision horticulture are designed to support producers in carrying out management measures such as fertilisation and irrigation - precisely and as needed. In order to obtain the most comprehensive information possible on the current state of plants, of soil and microclimate in the orchards, we use various stationary and mobile sensors. And we link the wide range of information in order to develop tailor-made recommendations for the zone- or tree-specific management of orchards. For example, knowledge of the spatial variability of an orchard can be used to derive production-relevant information for precise water management (Project AquaC+).

We combine the findings from our basic research into practical applications. Here we present three examples.

An app supports fruit producers in harvesting cherries at the right time. To do this, it is sufficient to photograph with a smartphone individual cherries on the tree using a printed paper sheet for size referencing. The app analyses fruit size development and determines the best possible harvest date for marketing based on the variety and location-specific ripening pattern.. (App CHERRY HARVEST SIZE in Goolgeplay Store)

With a tree indivual mechanical thinning of the blossoms higher yields can be achieved with best fruit quality. A stereo camera mounted on the front of the tractor records the existing flower density for each individual tree. This information can be used to control the spinning speed of the rotating spindle brush, which mechanically strikes off flowers as it passes by. Depending on the number of flowers, the spindle rotates faster or slower. It removes more flowers, e.g. when passing a heavily flowering tree. (Project SmaArt)