PREHARVEST SOLUTIONS

Scientific solutions for primary agricultural production

In the Green Area, FFoQSI is concerned with improving the health and performance of living crops and livestock, including the efficiency of animal nutrition and reduction of antibiotic use in livestock farming. We identify and characterise active plant ingredients and increase their bioavailability, and we look for alternative uses for by-products and waste products in the sense of a circular economy.

Topics

1. Crops and climatic influences
2. Crops and performance-enhancing microorganisms
3. New plant compounds and their effect on the host
4. Efficiency of feed use
5. Health monitoring of farm animals
   
   

Objectives

• Prevention of crop failure and spoilage in crop production
• Sustainable improvement of soil fertility
• Better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of bioactive compounds and increasing bioavailability
• Alternative utilisation strategies of by- and waste products
• New concepts for maintaining healthy livestock populations
  
  

Solutions pursued at the centre

• Algorithm-based prediction models based on sensor and QM data
• Molecular biology/ microbiome research on plants and soil
• Soil investigations (e.g. storage of organically bound carbon)
• Use of microorganisms for biological plant protection
• Identification, characterisation and implementation of plant extracts with bioactive agents to enhance animal and human health
• Use of sensor technology for early detection and targeted treatment of sick animals
• Utilisation of end products and by-products of food production as animal feed
• Improving the bioavailability of probiotics