EUVRIN meeting at Hochschule Geisenheim University connects irrigation and fertilisation research with agricultural practice
How can vegetable growers maintain reliable production under changing climatic conditions while using water and nutrients efficiently? This question was at the heart of the eighth annual meeting of the EUVRIN Fertilisation & Irrigation Working Group, held at Hochschule Geisenheim University from 22 to 24 September 2026. Around 30 researchers from more than ten European countries exchanged insights into current approaches to resource-efficient vegetable production. University President Prof. Dr. habil. Karl H. Mühling welcomed the international guests at the opening, together with Prof. Dr. Jana Zinkernagel, Professor of Vegetable Production at Hochschule Geisenheim University.
“To make vegetable production fit for the future, we need to consider irrigation, nutrient supply and soil health together. European collaboration and direct dialogue with growers help us test research approaches under different local conditions and develop solutions that work in practice,” said Prof. Dr. Jana Zinkernagel.
More precise use of water and nutrients
The scientific programme explored how digital tools and artificial intelligence can support irrigation management. Further contributions addressed the interaction between irrigation and nitrogen supply, cultivation in peat reduced growing media and strategies to reduce nitrate leaching. An interactive sensor workshop complemented the presentations with discussions on measurement technologies and their application in irrigation management.
Substrate reuse and circular approaches to fertilisation were also on the agenda. Geisenheim researchers Jongwon Kang and Saad Zafar contributed presentations on AI in precision irrigation and the use of reused substrates as alternative fertilisers in field grown onions, respectively. Related research at Geisenheim includes HydroSoilWise and UpgoeS: HydroSoilWise combines soil and water management to improve climate resilience, while UpgoeS investigates the reuse of organo-mineral substrate residues from hydroponic cultivation in field vegetable production.
Connecting research and practice
A field trip took participants to vegetable farms in Lampertheim and Mutterstadt and to a water supply and irrigation organisation in Schifferstadt. Discussions on site added growers’ perspectives to the scientific exchange. A tour of Geisenheim’s research facilities and an information session on European funding opportunities and EU-GIFT completed the programme.
The theme week brought together researchers, practitioners and the public to explore more sustainable food systems, with a particular focus on geographical identity and cultural heritage.
