Drought: Biostimulants as Part of the Solution for the Challenges of Modern Agriculture
Drought, heatwaves and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns are posing growing challenges for farms. Especially during sensitive growth stages, water shortage and heat stress can significantly affect plant vitality — and with it, yield and quality.
“This is one of the reasons why biostimulants are gaining importance in modern agriculture,” explains Hechenbichler General Manager Dr. Hanspeter Hueter. “They do not replace water or nutrients, but they can help plants cope better with stress situations. The greatest effect comes from long-term, strategic use. At the same time, our experience from more than 40 countries shows that biostimulants can also make a decisive difference during acute stress phases.”
Under the AMALGEROL brand, Hechenbichler markets a range of biostimulants that are also used in regions where climatic and agricultural conditions are particularly demanding. The aim is to make crops more resilient — through improved root growth, increased soil activity and the support of plants’ own anti-stress mechanisms.
This effect is also reflected in trial results across different crops. In a winter wheat field trial during the dry year of 2018, a single application already led to a five percent increase in yield. In an organically managed Austrian vineyard, a yield increase of around ten percent was documented in Zweigelt grapes. Practical trials with vegetables and specialty crops also showed stabilising effects under acute drought stress.
“Drought is no longer an exceptional situation for many farms, but part of the new reality,” says Hueter. “That is why we need solutions that strengthen plants and soils at an early stage — and help buffer stress when conditions become critical. Biostimulants are an important element of risk management in modern agriculture. For us at Hechenbichler, it is clear that climatic and weather-related challenges will continue to increase in Austria, Germany and northern Italy. This makes it all the more important to manage crops not only for yield, but also for resilience.”
About Biostimulants
Biostims are innovative preparations that naturally enhance plant growth, increase resistance to stress factors such as drought or heat, and improve nutrient efficiency. Unlike fertilizers or pesticides, biostimulants do not act directly on soil or pests but instead activate biological processes within the plant and soil. They are considered a key technology for sustainable, resource-efficient, and productive agriculture – and represent a rapidly growing market with enormous potential.
About Hechenbichler
Hechenbichler is one of the leading companies in the field of biostims and actively contributes to shaping the agriculture of tomorrow. For more than 75 years, the Tyrolean company has been developing products that improve soil quality, strengthen plants, and support animal health – tested and proven in over 40 countries worldwide. Production takes place within the EU under the highest quality and environmental standards. Customers value the efficiency of the products as well as the technical expertise and personal support that come with them.
About AMALGEROL
AMALGEROL is Hechenbichler’s flagship product in the biostims segment – tested, refined, and continuously developed over decades. As an EU-certified biostimulant, AMALGEROL stands for natural efficacy, reliability, and progress. The experience and know-how gained from AMALGEROL form the foundation for new product lines and application areas currently under development at Hechenbichler. The success story continues: Biostims. Our path forward.
More information:
hechenbichler.com
Contact information
Marco Neher, M.A., MBA
+43 664 9982134
marco.neher@hechenbichler.com