Biosystems Engineering in Horticulture and Agriculture

The field addresses the technical interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment in both outdoor and controlled production systems, particularly under increasing climate and resource pressures.

Research integrates technology application, biological and systems perspectives to improve the sustainability and efficiency of food, feed and biomass production. Key activities include optimization of cropping systems and machinery, development of energy-efficient agricultural buildings, and utilization of crop residues and side streams within a circular bioeconomy. The subject area also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing nutrient recycling, and developing sustainable production practices such as cover crops and alternative growing media.

A systems approach underpins all activities, combining life cycle assessment, energy and nutrient balances, modelling and spatial analysis to support evidence-based decision-making. Increasingly, digital technologies are integrated into production and infrastructure systems. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the subject area supports resilient agricultural and horticultural systems that contribute to long-term environmental sustainability, resource efficiency and food security.

Systems analysis  Application of quantitative and integrative methods to evaluate and improve agricultural and horticultural production systems, including post-harvest and energy conversion processes. Tools include energy balances, life cycle assessment (LCA), soil organic carbon modelling, nutrient balances, techno-economic assessments and GIS-based data and inventory analyses.

Buildings and building technology  Design, development and optimization of infrastructure for agricultural and horticultural production of food, feed and biomass, including animal housing, storage facilities, greenhouses and other production buildings. Research focuses on functionality, energy performance, environmental impact and resource efficiency.

Machinery and machinery technology Development and evaluation of machinery and technological solutions for plant production within agriculture and horticulture. Emphasis is placed on reducing input use and losses, improving harvesting and logistics operations, enabling efficient biomass processing and enhancing energy efficiency and economic performance.

Horticultural production physiology  - Study of plant growth, development and quality in relation to environmental conditions and management practices in horticultural production systems. The field focuses on understanding physiological responses to abiotic and biotic factors, including stress, and applying measurement and monitoring methods to optimize productivity, sustainability and product quality. 

Applied statistics - Application of statistical methods to support experimental design, data analysis and decision-making in agricultural and environmental research. The field contributes to ensuring scientific quality and reliability by developing appropriate analytical approaches, interpreting variability and uncertainty, and supporting researchers through statistical consultation, training and methodological development.