On 5 November 2025, the 1st Burgenland Soil Symposium took place at the Lisztzentrum Raiding. The event, initiated by Deputy Governor Anja Haider-Wallner, focused on the pressing challenges surrounding soil protection, climate change and the sustainable use of our natural resources.
Burgenland is particularly hard hit by the consequences of the climate crisis – prolonged periods of drought, increasing incidents of heavy rainfall and ongoing soil sealing are threatening the region’s fertility and biodiversity. The aim of the symposium was to work with experts from agriculture, research, spatial planning and nature conservation to develop solutions for protecting soils in the long term and managing them in a regenerative manner.
Marcus Keding, Managing Director of Forschung Burgenland, presented current research projects demonstrating how innovative technologies can contribute to the efficient use of resources – for example, in the areas of sustainable water management, AI-supported crop yield forecasts and carbon sink analyses. Strategies to improve the ecological condition of the Kutschenitza river and measures to increase the climate resilience of agriculture were also presented.
A look ahead to future projects – including remote-sensing-based climate monitoring and the conservation of orchard meadows – highlighted how research and practice in Burgenland work hand in hand to develop sustainable solutions.
During the subsequent World Café, participants discussed key topics such as humus formation, land degassing and biodiversity, as well as raising awareness, together with Mona Magloth and Mona Millendorfer from Forschung Burgenland.
