SAMSON
Research project: SAMSON – Smart automation systems and services for fruit growing on the Lower Elbe
Research area: Machine learning
Funded by: Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food
In collaboration with: Fraunhofer IFAM, HAW Hamburg, hochschule 21, Obstbauzentrum Jork (Esteburg)
Start of the project: 24.01.2023 (Handover of funding decision)
End of the project: 31.01.2026
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Lower Elbe region in northern Germany is home to the second largest contiguous fruit-growing area in Europe (Altes Land) with around 10,000 hectares of orchards, which mainly produce Elstar and Jonagold apples.
The quality and quantity of the harvest depends on a number of factors, including climate, pruning, the previous year’s yield, soil care and flowering. The complexity of these interactions often makes it difficult for growers to optimally manage and cultivate their orchards.
The SAMSON research project involves the research and development of intelligent automation systems and services that monitor the entire orchard and collect seasonal data. Subsequently, these data-based results support decisions for the future management of fruit-growing areas.
The focus here is on improving the sustainable use of resources in fruit cultivation: seasonal harvest data such as growth, alternation, harvest results, water use and treatment measures are collected and analyzed. The aim is to derive data-supported individual recommendations through to the treatment of the individual fruit tree, for example for the considered use of pesticides.
Farmers are supported by smart automation systems and services from the SAMSON project: The entire cultivation area is monitored and cross-seasonal key figures on yield, quality, cultivation data and treatment measures are displayed interactively on mobile devices. Efficient and sustainable management of their orchards can thus be achieved through the use of digital systems.
Duration of the project: 12/2022 to 12/2025
Press release on the start of the project: Link
