Academic Resources

Survey by 110 New Zealand growers of their views on different soil health management practices in the vineyard

OIV ‘collective expertise document’ (2018) presents an overview of functional biodiversity in vineyards: • Why, and to what extent, is enhancement of biodiversity beneficial?• The different ecological infrastructures that exist;• The key mechanisms of interactions between species or groups of species;• How these interactions can be used for the benefit of the vineyard

Raul Ochoa-Hueso et al 2023 Overview of nature-based management strategies that may be used for the regeneration of the functioning and biodiversity of vineyards and that may also lead to improved plant nutrition, grape berry quality and the suppression of pathogens and pests. Focus on microbial and nonmicrobial biostimulants, fertilisation with organic amendments, foliar fertilisation […]

Study to look into transplanting microbes from vines from hot, dry climates as a potential to improve vines’ resilience to drought

Review of 345 soil carbon sequestration measures across seven regen practices: agroforestry, cover cropping, legume cover cropping, animal integration, non-chemical fertiliser, non-chemical pest management and no tillage.

All practices increased carbon sequestration rate. Combining the practices may further enhance soil carbon sequestration

A fascinating review into mycorrhizal fungi, including descriptions of the different functional types and how they contribute to global soil carbon pools. Conservative estimate that they fix approximately 36% of current annual CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. It is definitely worth setting time aside to read. Much of the language is accessible to non-scientists.

Study into transitioning to regenerative viticulture/agroecology in Blaye region of Bordeaux

3 year study in southern France into the effect of various termination strategies (early vs budburst termination period; mowing vs tillage vs roller-crimper) of winter cover crops on soil ecosystem functions, vine water and nutrient status, grapevine vigour and yield.

Must read paper from leading researcher van Leeuwen on how it is not mandatory for vineyard managers to adapt their practices in wine regions globally. Review discussing the consequences of changing temperature, precipitation, humidity, radiation and CO2 on global wine production, and exploring adaptation strategies. 90% of traditional wine regions in coastal and lowland regions […]

Grelet, Lang, et al. 2021 white paper exploring research pathways to build science-based evidence and national narratives. Viticulture is one of the four agricultural sectors analysed.

‘Down to Earth: identifying and promoting RV practices for soil and human health’ explores carbon sequestration in vineyards and barriers to implementation of RV practices.

Under-vine weed management treatments compared: The researchers found that the mulches increased grape yields and reduced maximum soil temperatures. A 15cm mulch is an expensive input, but may reduce tractor passes in seasonal floor management and water usage due to reduced evaporation.

This study investigated the effect on beneficial insects of different methods of increasing wildflowers in vine inter-rows. 5 treatments were applied: The researchers found that, by the second year of the study, there were significantly higher levels of beneficial insects in the sown rows and the row left to regenerate naturally compared to the mowed […]

Viticulture faces a turning point. We are beginning to realise that the way wine grapes are being grown is not truly sustainable

How under-vine management influences SOC inputs and turnover in two vineyards

An academically-framed report of 34 interviews with European winegrowers on their experience of introducing grazing sheep into their vineyards.

The EU has published this technical guidance on implementing a carbon farming mechanism in the EU. Opportunities and challenges are identified, based on analysis of EU carbon farming schemes implemented or trialled over recent decades.

The IPCC report on climate change which lays out the most comprehensive current understanding and forecasts of global climate change.

An academic paper exploring the difficulties in researching regenerative agriculture from an agronomic perspective.

A UN-commissioned assessment conclusively linking ecosystem health and biodiversity to human well-being.

A paper reviewing literature and practitioners mentioning regenerative agriculture, useful for gaining a greater understanding of the different uses and definitions of the term.

Results of a study demonstrating that zero-tillage can represent a ‘win–win’ situation, where in addition to CO2 mitigation, other important benefits are achieved.

An academic review showing that the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of soil health overlap clearly with the soil related aspects of terroir.

A paper exploring the transformative effects of regenerative agriculture in the vineyard.