Eisenstadt, 30.04.2025. As part of a DIH-Süd innovation project (EDAT - Efficient Data Management), Forschung Burgenland is addressing a highly topical challenge in viticulture: the efficient use of water in the face of increasingly dry periods. In cooperation with the company Green Legacy and the Hahnekamp-Sailer winery, the Centre for Energy Transition at Forschung Burgenland is investigating the use of a water-storing granulate called Polygrain. Initial results indicate considerable potential for improving soil moisture distribution and water availability. Christoph Klikovits, head of the project, emphasises the relevance of the study: ‘The measurements show that Polygrain significantly improves water availability. This could not only reduce water consumption, but also strengthen the resilience of vines to climate change in the long term.’
Innovative solutions for viticulture
The polygrain used in the project consists of cellulose, superabsorbent and starter fertiliser and can store up to 200 times its own weight in water. This stored moisture is released to the plants as required, enabling more efficient water utilisation.
To investigate the effect of this soil additive, soil moisture sensors were installed at six different depths in a newly planted vineyard over a period of 34 weeks. A row of vines treated with Polygrain was compared with an untreated control row. The analysis focussed in particular on the moisture distribution over the soil depth, the daily dynamics of soil moisture and the vertical water displacement.
‘Our research shows that innovative technologies can make an important contribution to the efficient use of resources - both in agriculture and in the economy as a whole,’ explains Marcus Keding, Managing Director of Forschung Burgenland. ‘Sustainable solutions like these help to meet the challenges of climate change and at the same time tap into economic potential.’
Initial research results show improved water distribution
- Improved moisture distribution: At depths of 45 cm or more, the soil treated with Polygrain stores significantly more water than the untreated area. This indicates the sustainable water storage function of the granulate.
- More stable soil moisture over the course of the day: The sensor values indicate reduced evaporation and increased water storage in deeper layers, which means more constant water availability for the vines.
- Efficient vertical water displacement: The correlations between the different soil layers show better permeability and distribution of water in treated areas, which could strengthen the plants' drought stress resilience.
For further information please contact:
Marlene Hamedl BA │ Marketing & Communication │ Forschung Burgenland GmbH │ Tel: 0664-88134518 │ E-Mail: marlene.hamedl(at)hochschule-burgenland.at
