System ( 1 ) and method for removing plants from a cultivation area ( 2 ) or, alternatively, placing plants therein. Such plants are preferably pot plants, but can also be other plants, for example placed in trays. A feed/removal belt ( 4 ) extends along the cultivation surface ( 2 ). Perpendicularly thereto there is a branch conveyor ( 17 ), likewise constructed as a conveyor belt. A much wider collection belt ( 5 ) is arranged, once again perpendicular thereto, that is to say parallel to the feed/removal conveyors ( 4 ). Interacting with this there is a distribution device ( 6 ) that extends over the depth of the cultivation surface ( 2 ) and has a fork ( 16 ) which is able to remove the plants from the collection conveyor ( 5 ) or, alternatively, place them thereon and set them down on the cultivation surface ( 2 ) or pick them therefrom, respectively.
