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Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim (ATB), Potsdam The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering (ATB) works on process-engineering models for cost-effective, sustainable land management and develops innovative technologies for agriculture, horticulture and industry. The research performed looks at effective use of limited resources and at adapting agricultural processes to the effects of climate change and its mitigation. Research activities concentrate on the development of environmentally sound, competitive agricultural production processes, quality and safety of food and animal feed, and on renewable raw materials and energy in rural areas. These include low-emission livestock husbandry, sensor-aided quality management of fruit and vegetables, and optimised processes in biogas production. The use of sensor, information and communication technology in complex management and documentation of process flows is vital, both in respect of site-specific production and with regard to product safety and food traceability. The use of biotechnological principles, for example to produce fuels and materials from biomass, also plays a key role. The research conducted takes account of the often very different needs of consumer, animal and environment protection. Parallel technology evaluation supports this process. The institute thus responds to current research questions and covers the practical advisory and back-up needs of policymakers, industry and farmers. Research Focus Resource Management and Climate Change The main research focus is on assessing the technological, economic, social and environmental impacts of various agricultural management practices and processes adopted to cope with climate change. Nutrient and energy balances serve in highlighting sources of environmental pollution and in evaluating the intensity and sustainability of the management practices adopted. Sensor-Aided Information-Gathering and Information Management Sensor-aided processes allow for greater precision in agricultural production. This is instrumental in reducing environmental pressures and also opens up opportunities to make humane livestock husbandry more efficient. Potato with sensor implant Environmentally Sound, Humane Livestock Management The quality of animal products is increasingly connected with humane, environmentally sound management of livestock. The prime focus is on work to reduce emissions and pollution from livestock, environmentally sound use of industrial fertilisers, protecting animal health and developing milking technologies that are easier for farmers to use and less of a burden to animals. Quality Assurance for Perishables Fruit and vegetables are subject to high quality standards, as are milk and meat. The aim is to prevent loss of quality by means of better controls and management of process technologies, for example by using innovative sensor technology. This takes in the entire value creation chain, from producer to retailer. Further work looks at making the most work-intensive and laborious harvest and preparation work in horticulture more ergonomic. 20
Pilot facility for the production of lactic acid from vegetable biomass. Lactic acid serves as a basic chemical in processing of biologically degradable plastics. Quality Assurance in Animal Feed Production Energy-efficient, less-intensive processes for drying, wet grinding and storage of agricultural products are to be used to avoid the formation of mould and thus of toxins in food and animal feed. Use of Renewable Raw Materials The aim is to develop processes to allow use of renewable raw materials and the substances they contain. These processes must be competitive and hold their own against conventional fossil-based ones. Processing of natural fibre and bioconversion of starch-containing agricultural materials for substance extraction are two key areas of focus at ATB which have already been implemented at pilot facilities. Along with basic research, the study of entire processing lines – from raw material to end product – allows practice-based process optimisation and the provision of sample products for industry and research. Production and Use of Bioenergy Carriers Bioenergy production gives farmers a new source of income. It involves the environmentally sound, energy-efficient cultivation of energy crops, preparation and conversion of bioenergy crops into a usable form (such as biogas) and the use of biogenic fuels, for example to generate electricity from biogas in fuel cells. 21 Cooperation Activities At both national and international level, ATB is represented in numerous networks and joint projects. This work is based on intensive cooperation with universities and non-university institutions in Germany and abroad. ATB also works closely with the research institutes overseen by the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV). For example, in matters of food safety it cooperates with JKI (ProSenso.Net2) and MRI (FreshScan), and in bioenergy research with DBFZ. Against the backdrop of applied research conducted at ATB, close cooperation with industry and businesses plays a special role. The institute works with upwards of 150 businesses and farms at national and international level. Structure The Institute was founded in 1992 as a registered association and is a member of the Leibniz Science Association. It receives equal amounts of funding from the competent federal ministries and the State of Brandenburg. Third-party funding makes up 25 percent of ATB’s budget. ATB has a total of 112.5 positions (full and part-time), with 35.5 held by scientists. Third-party funding is used to finance a further 50 employees. The institute’s six departments provide the expertise and resources needed for interdisciplinary, crossdepartmental research work: ó Bioengineering ó Technology assessment and substance cycles ó Post harvest technology ó Engineering for crop production ó Engineering for livestock management ó Horticultural engineeering ó ATB Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornin Max-Eyth-Allee 100 | 14469 Potsdam | Germany Telephone: +49 (0)331 5699-0 Telefax: +49 (0)331 5699-849 E-mail: atb@atb-potsdam.de | www.atb-potsdam.de
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