Revolution in viticulture: trees promote biodiversity and resilience!

Revolution in viticulture: trees promote biodiversity and resilience!

The current “VitiForst” project, which is being carried out under the leadership of the University of Hohenheim, aims to promote biodiversity and climate resilience in viticulture in Central Europe. As part of this project, the University of Hohenheim, the University of Freiburg and winegrowing families in Ayl, Rhineland-Palatinate are working together. The focus is on agroforestry systems that combine the cultivation of crops with woody plants and are specifically known as vitiforestry in viticulture, such as uni-hohenheim.de reported.

A long-term pilot test, which has been carried out on an area of ​​0.5 hectares since 2007, is investigating the interactions between vines and trees. The Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties in particular are tested in combination with oak or poplar trees. This future-oriented project is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and Art with 600,000 euros and is intended to ensure the long-term viability of viticulture.

Agroforestry systems as a solution

Climate change represents a major challenge for viticulture. Extreme weather events such as late frost, hail and heavy rainfall are increasing, while rising temperatures influence the ripening phases of the grapes. The emergence of climate extremes not only endangers the harvest, but also the geographical distribution of suitable growing areas. In this context, vitiforestry systems are viewed as a promising adaptation strategy to increase the resilience of cultivated areas, such as fibl.org determines.

A central goal of the project is to investigate the interactions between trees and vines. A long-term study shows that trees can provide more water and nitrogen to the vines, particularly through the effect known as “hydraulic lift”. These mixed crops do not compete for water, and the microbial diversity in the soil is positively influenced by the combination of tree species. Sensory and chemical analyzes of the wines produced also show no significant reductions in quality.

Promote diversity in the vineyard

Agroforestry systems not only have the potential to create stable microclimates and balance nutrient and water balances, but they also promote biodiversity in viticulture. Trees provide shelter for beneficial insects, and their roots improve micro- and macrobiological activity in the soil. A brochure on the subject published by DELINAT Consulting and Domaine ÉMILE GRELIER highlights the benefits and possibilities of agroforestry in viticulture and offers technical tips for introducing trees and shrubs in vineyards, such as terrabc.org explained.

The Remstal and the Kaiserstuhl are planned as focus regions for the new test areas that are being created at the state institutes for viticulture in Baden-Württemberg. The project is particularly important in order to impart knowledge about the practical suitability of Vitiforest systems and to close knowledge gaps. The combination of vines with suitable tree species, such as the common hornbeam or the winter lime, not only provides protection from pests, but also the necessary habitat for various animal species, including bats.