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Name of the project 

Promoting Soil Quality and Biodiversity in Vineyard Ecosystems Through Nature-Based Solutions 

Promoting Soil Quality and Biodiversity in Vineyard Ecosystems Through Nature-Based Solutions

Abstract

With over 7.3 million hectares dedicated to its growth worldwide, the grapevine is a cornerstone of agriculture across the European Union. Yet, today’s vineyards are under intense pressure. Climate change and human activity are driving a loss of biodiversity that threatens both the health of these unique ecosystems and the livelihoods of the winemakers who tend them.

Caring for vineyards today means adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change. Over time, permanent greening and cover cropping seem to be among the most effective strategies to improve soil health and vineyards ecosystem resilience. However, there is currently a knowledge gap regarding the connection between soil compart and viticulture. SOILDIVINE project adopts holistic approach to evaluate how management practices influence biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, while addressing societal challenges and driving sustainable transformations in European wine regions. The objectives of this project are to:

1. Examine the effectiveness of the Nature-based Solutions (NBS) both in Between the Row Space (BRS) and under the vine strips (UVS) to protect soil and biodiversity above and below ground.
2. Evaluate the impacts of NBS on grape yield and quality under different pedo-climatic conditions.
3. Determine whether the NBS contribute to more resilient vineyards and a more sustainable production.
4. Identify the optimal trade-off between environmental, quality of production and economic sustainability
5. Assess the ecosystem services promoted by NBS and develop recommendations for future rural policies and policymakers.

The activities, tools, and methods used in the SOILDIVINE project will be applied simultaneously for the first time across the diverse geographic areas represented by the project team members. NBS methods will be compared with conventional grape production practices in demonstration vineyards. Our results will be benchmarked against those of similar completed programs (such as Life, etc.), and we aim to maintain connectivity between partners and other stakeholders through living labs.

SOILDIVINE is an international project involving various academic institutions that will enable and conduct multidisciplinary research on NBS in vineyards. The project will involve scientists, as well as public and private companies, participating in the project and other processes that extend beyond research work. The project results will also be made available to non-participating countries, and the applicability of the results will be assessed at both regional and international levels.