Meadow orchards, traditional ecosystems rich in biodiversity, are biodiverse landscapes, where widely spaced fruit trees are combined with natural grasses and wildflowers, creating a habitat that supports wildlife while producing food. These traditional ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and preserve the cultural and ecological heritage of regions like Bavaria. Yet, these orchards have been in significant decline due to urbanization and economic pressures. OBSTPLAN addresses this pressing challenge by offering a simple, user-friendly solution to help landowners and communities restore these valuable landscapes.
Bavaria has lost approximately 60% of its meadow orchards in recent decades. These natural habitats, vital for countless insects, birds, and other wildlife, have been replaced by industrial agriculture and urban development. As meadow orchards vanish, so too does the biodiversity they support. Despite available land and resources, many potential orchard developers lack the knowledge or tools needed to plan and maintain these ecosystems effectively. Furthermore, relevant information is often scattered across numerous websites and, in some cases, remains insufficiently digitized.
OBSTPLAN is here to bridge that gap. Designed as an centralized and intuitive digital platform, it empowers users to:
- Plan and manage meadow orchards tailored to their specific land conditions.
- Access localized recommendations for fruit tree varieties.
- Learn about subsidies and funding opportunities to support their efforts.
As one early user noted, “OBSTPLAN makes it easy to transform unused land into vibrant ecosystems that benefit both the environment and the community.”
Traditional meadow orchards, once common in Bavaria, are more than just agricultural spaces. The loss of these orchards, driven by economic and urban pressures, has reduced biodiversity and led to the extinction of many native fruit varieties.
To combat this, OBSTPLAN integrates technology and ecological expertise, providing actionable guidance for restoring these vital landscapes. With its interactive features, OBSTPLAN simplifies decision-making, allowing users to:
- Evaluate their land’s potential for orchard development.
- Select optimal tree varieties based on soil quality and other factors.
- Navigate the often-complicated funding landscape.
Users can view color-coded maps that recommend suitable apple tree varieties based on soil conditions and regional factors. Green indicates that the soil is excellent for the apple variety, yellow indicates a mixed soil type where the apple could also be planted, and red suggests avoiding planting the variety in that soil. These insights ensure that users can optimize their efforts for both productivity and biodiversity.
OBSTPLAN is designed for beginners and experts alike. It plans to expand its offerings with educational workshops and community initiatives, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
In collaboration with the Rotary Club Neuburg an der Donau, OBSTPLAN promotes sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. The platform’s user-friendly interface and practical features save time and reduce barriers for farmers, landowners, and community groups, enabling them to contribute to a greener Bavaria.
OBSTPLAN’s initial focus is on Bavarian landscapes, particularly around Neuburg an der Donau. By providing localized solutions, it addresses specific regional needs while setting the stage for broader applications. Supported by the Rotary Club, OBSTPLAN aims to expand its reach, empowering communities across Germany to restore biodiversity and cultivate sustainable landscapes.
The success of OBSTPLAN demonstrates the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and community organizations. Developed by students from the University of Applied Sciences Munich (HM) and Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK), OBSTPLAN is a shining example of innovation in action.
With OBSTPLAN, the future of Bavaria’s meadow orchards is in your hands. Transform underused land into thriving ecosystems and play a role in preserving biodiversity for generations to come. Together, we can cultivate a greener, more sustainable future.
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About the Co-Innovation Lab
This solution was designed in a project of the Co-Innovation Lab of Hochschule München guided by the lecturers Prof. Dr. Holger Günzel, Prof. Dr. Lars Brehm, Prof. Dr. Jessica Slamka, Mr. Hans-Jürgen Haak, Ms. Anne Mari Stenbacka and Mr. Jere Käpyaho. The Co-Innovation Lab offers students a virtual platform for learning how to work as a consulting team by creating temporary partnerships between companies, students, and lecturers.
For more information about the Co-Innovation Lab, contact holger.guenzel@hm.edu or lars.brehm@hm.edu.
- Project results: