Suggestions for Thesis Projects
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Topic Biomass yields and biopore genesis potential as well as biopore formation of different legume-grass mixtures on clay soils
SupervisorProf. Dr. Miriam Athmann, FÖLm.athmann[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
Duration from spring 2026
Work as project and/or BSc thesis
Location Frankenhausen
Methodology/description Three different forage crops (clover grass, alfalfa grass, chicory-clover grass) were established in late summer 2024 on a soil with a high clay content. In 2026, the mixtures are to be tested in terms of biomass, N2 fixation and Assessments and processing of meter sections in Frankenhausen are planned for this purpose. In addition, root samples will be taken in late summer 2026 before the mixtures are plowed up and the root lengths in various diameter classes will be determined as a prerequisite for biopore formation. In spring or fall 2027, after the roots have rotted, the biopore densities in the subsoil and yields of the subsequent crop (probably maize or winter wheat) will be determined.
Project free
Requirements Enjoy field work, appropriate resilience (outdoor work)
Topic Biomass yields and legume content in clover-grass in an alley cropping system with walnut, hazelnut and currants
SupervisorProf. Dr. Miriam Athmann, FÖLm.athmann[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
Duration From spring 2026
Work as project or BSc thesis, possibly MSc thesis in combination with investigation of the three forage crops for biomass, legume content/N2 fixation and weed suppression potential, see below
Frankenhausensite
Methodology/description Clover grass was established in the agroforestry system in Frankenhausen in late summer 2024. In 2026, biomass yields and legume content are to be determined in the transect in the arable strip, possibly supplemented by microclimatic measurements.
ReAgt4Oekoproject (agroforestry network for organic farming)
Requirements Enjoyment of field work, appropriate resilience
Topic Various topics on the subject of "social agriculture".
Supervision: Dr. Thomas van Elsen
Duration: n. To be agreed
Work as - n. To be agreed upon
Further information
http://www.soziale-landwirtschaft.de/forschung/abschlussarbeiten/themenvorschlaege
Topic
Root growth in mixed cultures of wheat and medicinal and spice plants (coriander, caraway, fennel)
SupervisorWanda Burzik, wanda.burzik[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
Duration From spring 2025 / Start anytime/flexible
Work as a project, BSc or MSc thesis
Location/working place Witzenhausen, Hessian state domain Frankenhausen
Methodology/description Extraction of cores and evaluation based on photos and washed root samples: Quantification of root length densities, diameter class distribution, root mass and carbon content differentiated according to wheat and coriander or caraway (on washed-out samples)
Project TRIO - Transformative Mixed Crop Systems for One Health
Requirements Willingness to take and prepare samples in the field and/or laboratory, a thirst for research, a lot of patience and good fine motor skills for root preparation
Topic
Testing different sage varieties in practical cultivation
Supervision: Hanna Blum, hanna.blum[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
Duration: from March 2026
Work as final thesis
Location: Walsegarten farm, Thuringia
Methodology/description
Sage(Salvia officinalis) is an important medicinal and tea plant. Only a very limited range of varieties is available to growers. Two new cultivars from Switzerland could be of great interest for domestic cultivation and are to be tested in an exact trial on the Demeter farm Walsegarten. In order to evaluate the agronomic characteristics, a scoring catalog is to be developed, which can be used to record the variety-specific characteristics.
Project: in cooperation with Ökoplant e.V. and Kultursaat e. V.
Requirements:
Willingness to supervise the trial, take and prepare samples, reliable working methods, ability to travel to the Walsegarten farm and carry out data collection there in cooperation with the farm manager.
Topic
Walnut leaves as a pharmaceutical raw material - studies to optimize the active ingredient content
Supervision:Hanna Blum, hanna.blum@uni-kassel.de
Duration: from April 2026
Work as a project or final thesis
Location: Walnut plantation near Breuna (near Kassel)
Methodology : Walnut trees provide a valuable raw material for herbal remedies with their leaves, which are rich in tannins. Until now, the leaves have mostly been obtained from wild collection. In order to learn more about the formation of the ingredients depending on the variety, the time of harvest and the localization of the leaves, leaves are collected in a plantation, dried and analyzed for valuable ingredients by a manufacturer of pharmaceuticals.
Prerequisites: willingness to do practical work, interest in tree cultures, agroforestry systems and medicinal plants, knowledge of statistics
Topic
Evaluation of different sowing dates of different winter poppy varieties
Duration: from February 2026
Work as final thesis (Bsc or MSc)
Location: Domain Frankenhausen
Supervision: Sonja Biewer(biewer[at]uni-kassel[dot]de) and Hanna Blum(hanna.blum[at]uni-kassel[dot]de) and
Project: Mohnopoly
Methodology, description: In a single-factorial field trial at Domäne Frankenhausen, new poppy varieties are tested in comparison to a long-term standard. Agronomic parameters will be recorded, morphological variety descriptions will be made and classical plant indices (chlorophyll content, etc.) will be recorded.
Prerequisites
Interest in measuring agronomic parameters, laboratory analyses, statistics, willingness to work in the trial field
Topic
Sensory evaluation of different poppy seeds
Supervision: Sonja Biewer(biewer[at]uni-kassel[dot]de) and Hanna Blum, hanna.blum[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
Duration: as of now
Work as final thesis or project work
Location: Witzenhausen
Methodology/description
Poppy seeds and their cold-pressed oil are used as a fine aromatic food ingredient in bakeries, oil mills or in private households. The internal and external quality of the poppy seeds and the oil are evaluated using a sensory evaluation scheme.
Topic
Comparison of pure and mixed cultivation of spring poppy and wheat with regard to shoot and root growth and quality
Duration: from March/April 2026
Work as final thesis
Location: Domain Frankenhausen
Supervision: Sonja Biewer, biewer[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
Project: Poppy poppy
Prerequisites
Interest in measuring agronomic parameters, laboratory analyses, statistics
Topic
Use of water-retaining substrate additives when sowing spring poppies
Supervision: Hanna Blum, hanna.blum@uni-kassel.de
Duration: from March 2026
Work as a project or final thesis
Location: Frankenhausen domain and practical farm
Methodology/description:
The establishment of fine seeds such as opium poppy depends heavily on ideal soil conditions, technical requirements and favorable weather conditions. The application of technical additives with water-retaining properties can possibly positively support the sowing process and field emergence. Various materials are to be tested in field cultivation and their use evaluated agronomically and economically.
Project: Poppy seed polo
Prerequisites
Willingness to supervise experiments, take and prepare samples, reliable working methods
Topic
Effects of induced water stress on yield and quality of different spring poppy varieties
Supervision: Hanna Blum, hanna.blum[at]uni-kassel[dot]de and Sonja Biewer biewer[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
Duration: from February 2026
Work as project or final thesis
Location: LLH Kassel, Harleshausen
Methodology/description
The poppy plant requires sufficient water at certain stages of development in order to achieve stable yields and good capsule filling. In a container experiment, water stress is induced at different stages of poppy development and the effects on plant development, yield and seed quality are measured. The experiment is intended to clarify the sensitive and yield-relevant phases in poppy development.
Prerequisites:
Willingness to supervise the experiment at the Kassel-Harleshausen site in cooperation with the LLH, sampling and sample preparation, reliable working methods.
Topic
Market potential survey and analysis for the processing of organically produced poppy seeds
Supervision:Hanna Blum, in cooperation with Prof. Bettina König
Duration: possible at any time
Work as a project or final thesis
Location: independent
Description:
Organic poppy seeds are used in baked goods, edible oils and snacks. So far, no studies or market surveys on the origin of poppy seeds, qualities, quantities or raw material procurement routes are available. An exploratory study is intended to fill this knowledge gap. With the help of a survey of bakeries and suppliers (in Hesse), the needs and purchasing behavior will be analyzed and potentials and obstacles for regional value chains will be derived.
Prerequisites:
Willingness to research and interview stakeholders, statistical data evaluation.
Topic
Testing of a newly developed prototype for the mechanical harvesting of marigold flowers and possibly other medicinal plant flowers
Supervision: Hanna Blum, hanna.blum[at]uni-kassel[dot]de and Lena Voßkuhl l.vosskuhl[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
Duration: from April 2026
Work as a project or final thesis
Location: Frankenhausen domain and practice locations
Methodology/description
Herb growers and an agricultural engineering company have developed a small machine for the mechanical harvesting of flowering medicinal plants in 2025. This machine is to be tested with marigolds on the Frankenhausen domain (from June 26), before which picking tests will be carried out on practical farms with primrose and arnica flowers. The picking operations will be accompanied by detailed data collection, a comparison of the machines for hand harvesting and an assessment of the quality of the harvested crop. The results can be used to provide the farms with valuable key figures. Machine harvesting of flowers that is gentle on quality can replace hand harvesting and thus make cultivation methods more efficient.
Prerequisites:
Willingness to supervise trials at the Domäne Frankenhausen site and on practical farms. Enjoy technical developments, enthusiasm for the cultivation of medicinal plants and field trials. Precision in data collection and reliable cooperation in a project team.
Topic
Use of digital image-based tools to determine the degree of flower cover in marigolds
Supervision: Hanna Blum, hanna.blum[at]uni-kassel[dot]de and Lena Voßkuhl l.vosskuhl[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
Duration: from May 2026
Work as project or final thesis
Location: Frankenhausen domain
Methodology/description
In order to harvest high-quality marigold flowers rich in nutrients, they must be harvested at the ideal time of flower opening. Not an easy decision in practice! In order to obtain information on yield and active ingredient-relevant harvest times in a marigold stand, digital tools are to be used to assist in the evaluation of the flowering stage and the degree of flower coverage. Initial test runs are to be carried out in a marigold crop in Frankenhausen using a tool from the Julius Kühn Institute.
Prerequisites:
Willingness to supervise trials at the Frankenhausen site. Interest in technical and digital developments, enthusiasm for the cultivation of medicinal plants and field trials. Precision in data collection and reliable cooperation in a project team.
Topic
Variation of the micronutrient supply of marigold to increase the content of valuable ingredients
Supervision: Hanna Blum, Lena Voßkuhl,
Duration: possible at any time
Work as project or final thesis
Location: Kassel-Harleshausen, Vascular Experimental Station
Description:
Marigold flowers are used in therapeutically effective cosmetics or remedies. They contain valuable ingredients that must achieve a certain value. A vascular experiment will be used to investigate the influence of a targeted micronutrient supply on the valuable ingredients.
Prerequisites:
Willingness to supervise experiments at the Kassel-Harleshausen site in cooperation with the LLH and the FÖL marigold project team, sample collection and preparation, experimental and scoring work, statistical data evaluation, reliable working methods and interest in the topics of nutrient supply of plants, medicinal plants and their ingredients,
Topic
Effects of induced water stress on the valuable ingredients of marigold
Supervision: Hanna Blum, hanna.blum[at]uni-kassel[dot]de and Lena Voßkuhl l.vosskuhl[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
Duration: from February 2026
Work as project or final thesis
Location: Frankenhausen domain, LLH Kassel, Harleshausen
Methodology/description
In a container trial (spring 2026) and a field trial (summer 2026), water stress is induced at different stages of marigold development and the effects on plant development, yield and quality are measured. Marigolds are used therapeutically due to their healing properties. The work can be divided between the pot experiment and the field experiment. In any case, the aim is to find out more about the relationships between water stress and the formation of ingredients.
Prerequisites:
Willingness to work in the field, or work in the protected cultivation of the vascular test facility in Kassel Kassel-Harleshausen, interest in data acquisition and static evaluation, sampling and sample preparation, ability to work in a team and a reliable way of working are desired as well as an interest in the cultivation of medicinal plants.
Topic
Development of nutrients in the subsoil with deep-rooted plants
Supervision: Christina Mühlenbrock
Topic
Development of a BBCH scale to describe the plant development stages of caraway or coriander
Supervision: Christina Mühlenbrock (christina.muehlenbrock@uni-kassel.de)
Duration: from March/April 2025
Work as final thesis
Location: Domain Frankenhausen
Methodology/description
Documentation of plant development stages of annual caraway/coriander, visualization of the stages and preparation of a publication based on the BBCH scales of the Julius Kühn Institute.
Project: TRIO
Prerequisites
Willingness to work in the experimental field, knowledge of photography and talent for drawing, reliable way of working
Topic
Investigation of the essential oil of caraway, coriander and/or fennel seeds from mixed cultivation (and different locations)
Supervision: Christina Mühlenbrock (christina.muehlenbrock@uni-kassel.de)/Fabian Weber
Duration: from October/November 2025
Work as final thesis
Location: Witzenhausen Nordbahnhofstraße
Methodology/description
Determination of the proportion of essential oil using steam distillation (according to the European Pharmacopoeia), if necessary, subsequent gas chromatographic analysis of the oils obtained (active ingredient occurrence)
Project: TRIO
Prerequisites
Precise working method and sensitivity with glass apparatus and laboratory equipment, previous experience in the laboratory is an advantage, reliable working method
Topic
Yield determination of coriander/caraway/fennel and wheat in mixed crop cultivation (each in annual/perennial)
Supervision: Christina Mühlenbrock(christina.muehlenbrock@uni-kassel.de)/ Prof. Dr. Miriam Athmann
Duration: Entire harvest period from June to the end of September (will be adapted to the duration of the thesis if planned precisely)
Work as final thesis
Location: Domain Frankenhausen
Methodology/description:
As part of the TRIO project, the respective crops grown in the field trial are harvested, post-dried, threshed and processed. The yield parameters obtained are then evaluated.
Project: TRIO
Prerequisites
Willingness to work in the trial field, careful handling of plant samples, precise and reliable working methods
Topic
Calibration and use of TDR probes in the field: Determining the ideal irrigation time for leeks
Supervision
Duration
The field work will take place May-July 2025
Work as
Final thesis or project work
Location
Witzenhausen/Frankenhausen
Methodology/description
As part of a leek cultivation trial, the factors irrigation type (overhead irrigation vs. drip irrigation) and mulch application (organic mulch vs. no mulch cover) are varied in order to record various agronomic parameters. These include the influence of transfer mulch on soil temperature, soil moisture and evapotranspiration.
Permanently installed TDR sensors are used for continuous data collection, which provide real-time information on moisture and temperature and also form the basis for irrigation control. To ensure that these sensors function precisely, a site-specific calibration is carried out. To this end, the storage density of the soil is first determined by taking undisturbed samples using a sampling cylinder. In the next step, several core samples are taken under different weather conditions in order to determine the water content by gravimetric analysis. This data serves as a reference to validate and precisely calibrate the TDR measurement results.
The work will provide in-depth knowledge of the soil water balance, irrigation control in vegetable growing and the practical use of field measurement technology.
Project
Prerequisites
- Interest in vegetable growing and practical field/laboratory work
- Willingness to take samples at the trial site (joint journey by bus from Witzenhausen)
- Careful and concentrated way of working
Topic
Influence of mulch application and irrigation system on soil Nmin content and N uptake in leeks
Supervision
Duration
The field work takes place from June to November; later entry is generally possible
Work as
final thesis or project work
Location
Witzenhausen/Frankenhausen
Methodology/description
As part of a leek cultivation trial, the factors irrigation type (overhead irrigation vs. drip irrigation) and mulch application (organic mulch vs. no mulch cover) are varied in order to quantify various agronomic parameters. This includes the influence of mulch and irrigation system on plant and soil nutrient dynamics.
The mulch cover influences the basic soil and plant processes in many ways, particularly through its effect on soil moisture and temperature, soil biology and the nutrient balance. The interaction with different irrigation systems (overhead irrigation, i.e. the mulch is also irrigated during each irrigation, and drip irrigation under the mulch layer, i.e. the mulch remains dry during irrigation) can also result in differences in the effect. In this student project, the question of the influence of the mulch layer and the N it contains on the N content in the soil and in the plant is to be investigated by determining N flow paths. For this purpose, data on C/N in the mulch and plant as well as on Nmin in the soil will be collected continuously.
The work will provide in-depth knowledge of nutrient dynamics, plant-soil interaction and the practical application of analytical methods in the field.
The project
Prerequisites
- Interest in vegetable growing and practical field/laboratory work
- Willingness to take samples at the trial site (joint journey by bus from Witzenhausen)
- Careful and concentrated way of working
Topic
Investigation of the influence of an organic mulch layer on water retention and water productivity
Supervision
Duration
The field trial runs in the years 2024 & 2025. The data of the first trial year are available, the data of the second trial year will be available as raw data in November 25.
Work as
Final thesis or project work
Location
independent
Methodology/description
In a leek cultivation trial, the factors irrigation type (overhead irrigation vs. drip irrigation) and mulch application (organic mulch vs. no mulch cover) are varied in order to quantify various agronomic parameters. This includes the influence of mulch and irrigation system on water retention and water productivity.
The high application of organic material as mulch (10 cm Wicktriticale) influences the soil water balance via evaporation protection and temperature regulation, reduces unproductive water losses and increases water productivity during yield formation. The aim of this study is to quantify the strength of these effects. For this purpose, the potential evapotranspiration with and without mulch is calculated and compared with the water productivity. The necessary data on soil moisture and temperature, ambient temperature, wind, global radiation and relative humidity are available at the exact location and in high resolution.
The work will provide in-depth knowledge in the areas of modeling, soil water balance and yield formation.
The project
Prerequisites
- Interest in modeling and willingness to use R
- Careful and concentrated way of working
Topic
Implementation of non-destructive leaf measurements in leek and correlation analysis with the experimental data set
Supervision
Duration
The field work takes place from June to November; later entry is generally possible
Work as
final thesis or project work
Location
Witzenhausen/ Frankenhausen
Methodology/description
As part of a leek cultivation trial, the factors irrigation type (overhead irrigation vs. drip irrigation) and mulch application (organic mulch vs. no mulch cover) are varied in order to quantify various agronomic parameters. This also includes the interaction of water and N supply in yield formation.
Close-meshed, non-destructive leaf measurements can provide valuable data for understanding crop development. Specifically, measuring devices are available for the leaf area index (LAI) as a growth parameter, stomatal conductance (gsw) as an indicator of water uptake and the measurement of chlorophyll and other secondary plant constituents (N-balance index) as an indicator of N supply. The aim of the work is to participate in the ongoing measurements and to correlate the data obtained with other data collected in the trial (e.g. on yield and N in plant, soil & mulch as well as water supply) in order to be able to explain the yield formation of leek by the recorded parameters.
The work will provide in-depth knowledge of water and nutrient dynamics, plant-soil interaction and the practical application of analytical methods in the field.
The project
Prerequisites
- Interest in vegetable growing and practical field/laboratory work
- Willingness to take samples at the trial site (joint journey by bus from Witzenhausen)
- Careful and concentrated way of working
Topic
Extraction of root samples using a percussion core probe & analysis of root length density in leeks
Supervision
Duration
The field work takes place from June to November, the laboratory work over the winter; later entry is generally possible
Work as
final thesis or project work
Location
Witzenhausen/ Frankenhausen
Methodology/description
As part of a leek cultivation trial, the factors irrigation type (overhead irrigation vs. drip irrigation) and mulch application (organic mulch vs. no mulch cover) are varied in order to quantify various agronomic parameters. This also includes the influence on root growth.
The extraction of cores using a pile-driver probe and the subsequent washing out of the leek roots from the soil samples provides important findings for assessing the influence of the factors mulch and irrigation on root development. The advertised student work enables practical participation in the field and laboratory methods and independent evaluation of the data obtained using special software.
The work will enable students to acquire in-depth knowledge of root research, including the practical application of analytical methods in the field and in the laboratory.
The project
Prerequisites
- Interest in vegetable growing and practical field/laboratory work
- Willingness to take samples at the trial site (joint journey by bus from Witzenhausen)
- Careful and concentrated way of working
Topic
Recording & evaluation of carrot yields and qualities in a field trial
Supervision
Duration
The field work takes place from June to November; later entry is generally possible
Work as
final thesis or project work
Location
Witzenhausen/ Frankenhausen
Methodology/description
As part of a cultivation trial, the factor tillage after winter-hardy catch crops is being investigated for carrot yields and quality. For this purpose, the carrot is cultivated after plowing with a reverse tiller in classic ridges, flatter and wider ridges as well as in beds.
The yields are recorded in a partial and a main harvest. In addition, soil samples are taken and plant growth is regularly recorded using leaf area index measurements. The advertised work includes assistance with the practical activities. The data collected will then be compiled, statistically evaluated and correlated.
The work will enable you to acquire sound knowledge in the practical application of analytical methods in the field and in the evaluation of scientific data.
The project
Prerequisites
- Interest in vegetable growing and practical field/laboratory work
- Willingness to take samples at the trial site (joint journey by bus from Witzenhausen)
- Careful and concentrated way of working
Topic
Extraction of root samples using a pile-driving core probe & analysis of root length density in carrots
Supervision
Duration
The field work takes place from June to November, the laboratory work over the winter; later entry is generally possible
Work as
final thesis or project work
Location
Witzenhausen/ Frankenhausen
Methodology/description
As part of a cultivation trial, the factor tillage after winter-hardy catch crops is being investigated for carrot yields and quality. For this purpose, the carrot is grown after plowing with a reverse tiller in classic ridges, flatter and wider ridges as well as in beds. It is expected that the carrot will react to the treatments with different root growth.
This hypothesis can be verified by taking cores using a pile-driving probe and then washing out the carrot roots from the soil samples. The advertised student work enables practical participation in the field and laboratory methods and independent evaluation of the data obtained using special software.
The work will enable students to acquire in-depth knowledge of root research, including the practical application of analytical methods in the field and in the laboratory.
The project
Prerequisites
- Interest in vegetable growing and practical field/laboratory work
- Willingness to take samples at the trial site (joint journey by bus from Witzenhausen)
- Careful and concentrated way of working
Topic
Independent or dialogical topic development for a project or thesis in organic vegetable production
Supervision
Duration
Flexible
Work as
final thesis or project work
Location
flexible
Methodology/description
In addition to the advertised theses, I also offer the opportunity to accept your own topic suggestions or to develop them together according to your personal goals and wishes.
These can be further or different questions in the cultivation trials of the Bio-Klima project, literature research or own research projects using the university infrastructure.
If you are interested, please contact me by e-mail with a preliminary description of the project.
Requirements
- Careful and concentrated way of working
Topic
Regional Marketing of Nuts (Walnuts and Hazelnuts)
Duration: starting in November 2026
Project, B.Sc., or M.Sc. thesis
Location: Witzenhausen, Nordbahnhofstr. / Kassel and Werra-Meißner districts
Advisors: Prof. Dr. Katrin Zander / Dr. Natalia Riemer / Birge Wolf / Thorsten Michaelis
Methodology/Description:
Through the NuPiWi project, a thesis can be completed in close collaboration with industry partners. The goal is to identify opportunities for targeted regional marketing of in-shell nuts and processed nut products. Optionally, the focus could be on a market overview, or a SWOT analysis could be conducted for regional producers, followed by the development of marketing concepts based on those findings.
Project: NuPiWiProject (Promoting Local Production of Nuts and Mushrooms as Sought-After and Healthy Protein Sources Through Knowledge Transfer)
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of market and marketing research; communication skills
Topic
Tree Monitoring and Tree Pit Maintenance in the ReAgt4Oeko Practical Research Network
Duration: starting in November 2026
Project, BSc, or MSc thesis
Location: Witzenhausen, Nordbahnhofstr. / Frankenhausen Agroforestry System / Partner farms throughout Germany
Supervisors: Birge Wolf / Thorsten Michaelis
Methodology/Description:
The ReAgt4Oeko Practical Research Network (Agroforestry to Increase Resilience in Organic Farming) collaborates with up to 20 partner farms. Participants have the opportunity to conduct research on various topics, including tree development, the assessment of diseases and pests on leaves, twigs, and harvested nuts, as well as tree-base maintenance. Specific research questions can be explored in greater depth through independent studies. Regarding tree-base care, research can be conducted through interviews on practical knowledge, challenges, and potential solutions.
Project: ReAgt4OekoProject (Agroforestry to Increase Resilience in Organic Farming – Practice-Research Network)
Requirements: Interest in working outdoors, physical stamina, a precise and reliable work ethic, basic knowledge of statistics, and communication skills
Topic
Micronutrient Content of Hazelnuts
Duration: starting in Oct. 2026
Project, BSc, or MSc thesis
Location: Witzenhausen, Nordbahnhofstr. / Farms in Hesse
Supervision: Dr. Natalia Riemer / Birge Wolf
Methodology/Description:
The Nuss IQ project investigates the influence of micronutrients on yield and quality in hazelnut cultivation. Various research questions can be addressed within the scope of this project.
Project: Project Nuss IQ (Innovative Strategies for Improving Quality and Yield in Regional Hazelnut Orchards through Foliar Applications of Boron, Zinc, and Silicon)
Requirements: Interest in working outdoors, physical stamina, ability to work accurately and reliably, basic knowledge of statistics, communication skills
Topic
Product Development for Hazelnuts or Walnuts
Duration: starting in November 2026
Project, BSc, or MSc thesis
Location: Witzenhausen, Nordbahnhofstr.
Advisors: Birge Wolf / Thorsten Michaelis
Methodology/Description:
Which products made from hazelnuts and walnuts are in demand among customers and offer sufficient added value for producers? This project could be carried out as a focus group discussion with consumers, prepared in collaboration with producers as a peer group. Alternatively, a product development workshop for hazelnuts or walnuts could be conducted. Thanks to the existing network of the NuPiWi project, there is good access to commercial farms.
Project: NuPiWiProject (Promoting Local Production of Nuts and Mushrooms as Sought-After and Healthy Sources of Protein Through Knowledge Transfer)
Requirements: Interest in innovation and economics; precise and reliable work habits; basic knowledge of statistics and qualitative social research; communication skills
Topic
Seedling Quality and Planting Methods in Agroforestry
Duration: starting in November 2026
Project, BSc, or MSc thesis
Location: Witzenhausen, Nordbahnhofstr. / Northern Hesse / Nationwide
Advisors: Birge Wolf / Thorsten Michaelis
Methodology/Description:
Failure rates are often higher in agroforestry plantings than in conventional plantations. What factors influence the success of establishment? Type of planting material, planting method, irrigation, exposure, …? For this project, a literature review can be conducted, and research can be carried out within the ReAgt4Oeko practical research network (Agroforestry to Increase Resilience in Organic Farming).
Project: ReAgt4OekoProject (Agroforestry to Increase Resilience in Organic Farming – Practice-Research Network)
Requirements: Interest in outdoor work, physical stamina, a precise and reliable work ethic, and/or interest in conducting in-depth literature reviews. Basic knowledge of statistics and communication skills
Topic
Walnut Cultivation Methods in Germany—Survey and Research for an Industry Overview
Duration: starting in November 2026
Thesisproject
Location: Witzenhausen, Nordbahnhofstr.
Advisors: Birge Wolf / Thorsten Michaelis
Methodology/Description:
Practical research questions can be tailored individually. Suggested focus areas: acreage, varieties, cultivation methods, crop management, marketing. Literature review to serve as a foundation. Depending on the nature (and thus scope) of the thesis, conducting and analyzing qualitative interviews should be an integral part of the work.
Project: NuPiWiProject (Promoting the local production of nuts and mushrooms as sought-after and healthy protein sources through knowledge transfer)
Prerequisites: Interest in the topic; prior knowledge of methodology or subject matter, if applicable
Topic
Monitoring Biodiversity in Walnut Orchards—Comparison and Design of Research Approaches
Duration: starting in November 2026
Thesisproject
Location: Witzenhausen, Nordbahnhofstr.
Advisors: Birge Wolf / Thorsten Michaelis in collaboration with other colleagues, depending on the content
Methodology/Description:
Literature review based on a practice-relevant research question that can be individually tailored. Depending on the nature (and thus scope) of the thesis, conducting and analyzing qualitative interviews may be part of the project.
Project: NuPiWiProject (Promoting Local Production of Nuts and Mushrooms as Sought-After and Healthy Protein Sources Through Knowledge Transfer)
Prerequisites: Interest in the topic; prior knowledge of methodology or subject matter, if applicable
Topic
Tracking Working Hours and Other Costs in Agroforestry Systems
Duration: starting in November 2026
Thesisproject
Location: Witzenhausen, Nordbahnhofstr.
Advisors: Birge Wolf / Thorsten Michaelis
Methodology/Description:
The selection of a practical research question and a specific agroforestry system must be determined on an individual basis. Experimental work on one or more farms. A literature review of existing data may be included. Depending on the nature (and thus scope) of the work, conducting and analyzing qualitative interviews may be part of the project.
Project: KasselAgroForstProject (Agroforestry Systems for Climate-Sensitive Species in Northern Hesse – Research into the Field of Transformation Based on a Sample Plot in Niedermeiser)
Prerequisites: Interest in the topic; prior knowledge of methodology or subject matter, if applicable. Willingness to visit the agroforestry systems to be studied.
Topic
Compensation for Ecosystem Services Provided by Agroforestry Systems
Duration: starting in November 2026
Thesisproject
Location: Witzenhausen, Nordbahnhofstr.
Advisors: Birge Wolf / Thorsten Michaelis
Methodology/Description:
Literature review based on a practice-oriented research question that can be individually tailored.
Project: KasselAgroForstProject (Agroforestry systems for climate-sensitive species in Northern Hesse—research into the field of transformation based on a sample plot in Niedermeiser)
Prerequisites: Interest in the topic; prior knowledge of methodology or subject matter, if applicable.
Topic
Berry Crops in Agroforestry Systems
Duration: starting in November 2026
Thesisproject
Location: Witzenhausen, Nordbahnhofstr.
Advisors: Birge Wolf / Thorsten Michaelis
Methodology/Description:
Literature review based on a practice-oriented research question that can be individually tailored. Depending on the nature (and thus scope) of the thesis, conducting and analyzing qualitative interviews may be part of the project.
Project: KasselAgroForstProject (Agroforestry systems for climate-sensitive species in Northern Hesse—research into the field of transformation based on a sample plot in Niedermeiser)
Prerequisites: Interest in the topic; prior knowledge of methodology or subject matter, if applicable.