Pflanzentechnik

Pflanzentechnik is an interdisciplinary engineering field focused on the planning, construction and operation of technical systems for plant production and processing. It combines plant biology and physiology with process engineering, automation and information technology to optimize cultivation, propagation and post-harvest handling. The aim is to create reliable, efficient and sustainable infrastructures for growing crops, ornamental plants and research plants under controlled conditions.

Core areas of Pflanzentechnik include greenhouse technology (climate control, insulation, energy management), irrigation and fertilization systems (drip, fertigation, hydroponics and soil-based approaches), lighting technology (natural daylight integration and artificial illumination such as LEDs) and photobiology, as well as automation and control (sensor networks, actuators, PLC/SCADA, data-driven decision support). Facility design and construction, environmental monitoring, and system optimization for energy and resource use are also central. The field often combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, horticulture and informatics to develop integrated production chains and scalable cultivation concepts, including vertical farming and urban agriculture.

Applications are found in commercial greenhouse production, ornamental horticulture, plant research facilities, tissue culture labs and industrial post-harvest processing plants. Pflanzentechnik supports both traditional field integrations in controlled environments and innovative cultivation concepts, enabling higher yields, resource efficiency, and improved product quality under varying climate and market conditions.

Education and research in Pflanzentechnik are typically housed within agricultural engineering and horticultural programs. Key topics include crop optimization, climate control strategies, water and nutrient management, energy-efficient systems, automation, and data analytics to advance sustainable plant production.