From September 14 – 16, 2026, Hochschule Geisenheim University hosted the 58th Annual Conference of the German Society of Plant Nutrition (DGP). Around 150 scientists from Germany and abroad gathered at Campus Geisenheim to discuss current findings and new solutions for sustainable plant production.
The conference addressed a wide range of aspects of plant nutrition, which are becoming increasingly important from political, economic, and societal perspectives. On top of the agenda was the efficient uptake and utilization of nutrients, sustainable fertilization strategies, and the complex interactions between plants, soils, and microorganisms. The scientific scope ranged from fundamental processes at the cellular level to specific applications in crop cultivation, horticulture, fruit growing, and viticulture.
Using Nutrients More Efficiently
"Proper regulation of nutrient flows is not possible without a sound scientific understanding of these processes. Therefore, the key question is: How can we use nutrients more efficiently while ensuring yield and quality and protecting our groundwater, climate and soils? The conference has brought together different disciplines and perspectives to address this very question”, summarizes Prof. Dr. habil. Christoph-Martin Geilfus, Professor of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science at Hochschule Geisenheim University and DGP Chair.
"The fact that Geisenheim was chosen as conference venue highlights the importance of plant and soil science for the university’s profile. A viable yet resource-efficient agriculture requires close collaboration among scientific disciplines. The university is a prime example for this“, explains Prof. Dr. habil. Karl H. Mühling. Before he started his term as university president, Mühling had been one of Prof Geilfus’ predecessors in a leading position at GDP. For Prof. Mühling, on the other hand, this is the first annual conference of a scientific society held on campus since he took office as university president on June 1, 2026.
Extensive Program with International Focus
The scientific program included four international keynote addresses, 25 expert presentations and more than 70 poster presentations. Addressed topics ranged from the use of plant biostimulants and biochar to nutrient deficiencies, drought and heat stress, and the role of microorganisms in the soil and rhizosphere. New measurement methods, sustainable fertilizers, and ways to reduce nitrogen losses were also presented.
Besides keynotes and poster presentations, the three-day conference offered plenty of opportunities for personal scientific exchange and the initiation of new collaborations. Junior scientists in particular had the chance to present their research and discuss their approaches with internationally recognized experts. The conference concluded with an award for exceptional poster presentations. A tour of the Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition rounded off the program, offering participants unique insights into the university’s research structure.
The conference was organized by the German Society of Plant Nutrition in cooperation with the Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition of Hochschule Geisenheim University. The Geisenheim organization team included Prof. Dr. habil. Christoph-Martin Geilfus, Dr. Leonie Dries, Joschua Göttmann and Ruth Lehnart as well as Prof. Dr. Davide Francioli from the Professorship for Plant Microbiomics.
