Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam
and Plasma Technology FEP
Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam
and Plasma Technology FEP

Smart Farming

Agriculture is facing major challenges resulting from climate change and the scarcity of natural resources. Innovative approaches are needed to increase yields, reduce costs and minimize environmental impact at the same time. This is where smart agriculture comes in, ushering in a new era of sustainability through the use of state-of-the-art technologies.

In the field of smart farming, the Fraunhofer FEP focuses on advanced electron beam and plasma technologies that offer numerous advantages. Our technologies not only help to increase the efficiency of production, but also significantly reduce the environmental impact. The reduction in the use of chemicals and the improved utilization of resources create the basis for a more sustainable future in agriculture.

Seed treatment

© iStockphoto.com/fhgfep

Hygiene is becoming increasingly important, especially in agriculture and the food sector. The Fraunhofer FEP has a sophisticated method for reliably removing pathogens from seeds, feed and food within seconds.

The process uses low-energy electrons to permanently deactivate germs. The process is purely physical - pathogens are therefore unable to develop resistance. In addition, chemical residues do not pose a problem, meaning that seeds that have not been spread can be fed without hesitation, for example.

The Fraunhofer FEP offers the following technological solutions:

  • Phytosanitary treatment of seeds with electron beams to combat pathogens
  • Proven effectiveness through long-term studies in cooperation with German federal authorities
  • Over 20 years of practical experience in use by farmers in Germany
  • No chemical additives, ideal for organic farming
  • Avoids pollution of air, soil and water as well as health risks for users
  • Mobile treatment plants with a capacity of up to 25 tons per hour
  • Combination of electron treatment with biostimulants and nutrient fertilizers

Development of sustainable substitution processes and materials

Agriculture faces the challenge of developing sustainable processes for the utilization of biomass and waste streams. The Fraunhofer FEP offers innovative technological solutions to meet these needs. These include, among others:

  • Processes for the utilization of residual biomass streams using low-energy electron irradiation
  • Sustainable processes for nutrient recycling, e.g. phosphate recovery with microbially produced chelating agents
  • Hygienization concepts for organic hydroponics and aquaculture
  • Electron beam technology as a pre-treatment step for sustainable extraction processes, e.g. for proteins
  • Substitution processes and coatings based on biogenic materials
  • Application of ionizing radiation for disinfection in agriculture

Agricultural wastewater treatment with electrons

Elimination of pathogens and pollutants in wastewater

Pathogens and persistent pollutants, such as pharmaceutical residues from wastewater, require technologies for their safe and effective removal in order to protect people and the environment. Highly concentrated wastewater in particular requires local and flexible treatment approaches, for example in mobile container modules. 

The Fraunhofer FEP offers the following technological solutions:

  • Generation of highly reactive radicals in wastewater using low-energy electron irradiation
  • Efficient energy transfer to the aqueous medium for fast and effective pollutant removal

Circular economy

Partner in the Technology and Competence Centre for Organic Residue Recycling (TKoR)

© Natalia Garidueva / shutterstock

Fraunhofer FEP is active as a partner in the Technology and Competence Centre for Organic Residue Recycling (TKoR). The aim is to promote the transfer of knowledge in the field of recycling management and to create sustainable solutions through innovative research projects. The center focuses on electron beam treatment and coating development for agricultural and recycling applications.

  • Electron beam treatment of polymer films: optimization of material properties for agricultural applications (e.g. modulus of elasticity modifications, control of biodegradation)
  • Coatings with active ingredient depots: Development for mulch films for the targeted release of active ingredients
  • Polymer-based barrier films: focus on bio-based materials (e.g. cellulose-based systems, paper)
  • Recyclable barrier films: Innovative approaches for AlOx and SiOx coatings
  • Sludge-resistant films: Increasing service life and potential applications
  • Wastewater disinfection: Contributing to the circular economy through low-pollution water treatment
  • Cooperation in the TKoR network: Development of environmentally friendly and resource-conserving solutions in partnership projects

Further information: Technology and Competence Centre for Organic Residue Recycling (TKoR)

Further technologies for surface functionalization and modification

  • Development of sustainable biodegradable silage films or floor covers
  • Development of antifouling / antimicrobial surfaces
  • Development of intelligent plant protection systems in the form of pest-specific coatings on films and textiles for plant covers
  • Development of specific coatings for solar control and thermal insulation glazing and thermal insulation glazing for optimized lighting and energy-efficient heating/cooling in greenhouses
  • Functionalized glazing with flexible ultra-thin glass or polymers for vertical farming
  • Coatings for energy harvesting Solutions for self-sufficient sensors and systems

More information:

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Biogenic value creation and smart farming at Fraunhofer

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