terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 GiESCO 9 The effects of cover cropping systems on vine physiology, berry and wine quality in a climate change scenario in Switzerland

The effects of cover cropping systems on vine physiology, berry and wine quality in a climate change scenario in Switzerland

Abstract

Context and purpose of the study – Sustainable weed control with little detrimental effects on vine physiology, yield, berry quality, soil structure, health and biodiversity is a key factor in vineyard management. Few options are available to avoid herbicide utilization and minimize negative effects of frequent tillage on soil quality. The present project aims to investigate and develop different cover management strategies in a cool climate viticultural region in Switzerland. The impact of different treatments on vine, must and wine has been studied in an experimental vineyard in Changins, Switzerland for one year and will be continued over the next three years.

Material and methods – The experiment was set up in August and sown in September 2021 and consists of 4 treatments: A) control: spontaneous grass cover on both inter-rows and tillage on the under-row; B) treatment 1: spontaneous grass cover on one inter-row, high-biomass winter cover crop (VITIFIT) on the other inter-row and tillage on the under-row; C) treatment 2: permanent high biodiversity cover crop (MCS 9) on one inter-row, high-biomass winter cover crop (VITIFIT) on the other inter-row and permanent low-competitive cover crop (NoGlyphos) on the under-row. D) treatment 3: permanent high biodiversity cover crop (MCS 9) on both inter-rows and permanent low-competitive cover crop (NoGlyphos) on the under-row. Watermark tensiometer probes for soil temperature and water potential measurements are installed for each treatment, at 30 and 80 cm depth. Temperature and humidity are estimated by tinytag probes. Vine physiology (photosynthesis, water deficit, vigour), berry quality (organic acids, sugar and nitrogen), wine quality as well assoil structure and vegetation cover are assessed throughout 3 years.

Results – Preliminary results of the first season show that the under-row tillage reduced water and nitrogen stress experienced by the vines during the very dry 2022 vintage. The sown under-rows (C and D) being the most stressed treatments characterized by the lowest steam water potential and leaf nitrogen. Berry weight, yield and assimilable nitrogen were highest in A and B. Malic acid concentration in berries was highest in the A treatment, where no sowing had been done.
The continuity of the study will help to confirm obtained results in climatically distinct years. It will assess potential carry over effect of treatments on vine physiology and perennity and help to better characterize the impact of different cover crop choices and management strategies on yield, quality and vineyard ecosystem. The study will provide growers tools to optimize the choice and management of their cover cropping systems.

Download the abstract

DOI:

Publication date: July 7, 2023

Issue: GiESCO 2023

Type: Poster

Authors

Markus RIENTH1*, Serena FANTASIA1, Matteo MOTA1, Frédéric LAMY1, David MARCHAND2, Robin SONNARD2, Vivian ZUFFEREY3, Nicolas DELABAYS4, Thierry HEGER1

1Changins, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland – Nyon, Switzerland
2FIBL, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture – Lausanne, Switzerland
3Agroscope, Swiss Agricultural Research Institute – Nyon, Switzerland
4HEPIA, Earth-Nature-Environment Institute – Jussy, Switzerland

Contact the author*

Keywords

cover crops, vine physiology, weed management, biodiversity, sustainable viticulture

Tags

GiESCO | GIESCO 2023 | IVES Conference Series

Citation

Related articles…

Physiological and growth reaction of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt to row orientation and soil water status

Advanced knowledge on grapevine row orientation is required to improve establishment, management and outcomes of vineyards on terroirs with different environmental conditions (climate, soil, topography) and in view of a future change to more extreme climatic conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effect of row orientation, plant water status and ripeness level on the physiological and viticultural reaction of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt.

Read More

Effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California

San Joaquin Valley accounts for 40% of wine grape acreage and produces 70% of wine grape in California. Fruit quality is one of most important factors which impact the economical sustainability of farming wine grapes in this region. Due to the recent drought and expected labor cost increase, the wine industry is thrilled to understand how to improve fruit quality while maintaining the yield with less water and labor input. The present study aims to study the interactive effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on yield and berry compositions of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California.

Read More

The effects of cane girdling on berry texture properties and the concentration of some aroma compounds in three table grape cultivars

The marketability of the table grapes is highly influenced by the consumer demand; therefore the market value of the table grapes is mainly characterized by its berry size, colour, taste and texture. Girdling could cause accumulation of several components in plants above the ringing of the phloem including clusters and resulting improved maturity. The aim of the experiments was to examine the effect of girdling on berry texture characteristics and aroma concentration.

Read More

Application of a fluorescence-based method to evaluate the ripening process and quality of Pinot Blanc grape

The chemical composition of grape berries at harvest is one of the most important factors that should be considered to produce high quality wines. Among the different chemical classes which characterize the grape juice, the polyphenolic compound, such as flavonoids, contribute to the final taste and color of wines. Recently, an innovative non-destructive method, based on chlorophyll fluorescence, was developed to estimate the phenolic maturity of red grape varieties through the evaluation of anthocyanins accumulated in the berry skin. To date, only few data are available about the application of this method on white grape varieties.

Read More

Different yield regulation strategies in semi-minimal-pruned hedge (SMPH) and impact on bunch architecture

Yields in the novel viticulture training system Semi-Minimal-Pruned Hedge (SMPH) are generally higher compared to the traditional Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP). Excessive yields have a negative impact on the vine and wine quality, which can result in substantial losses in yield in subsequent vintages (alternate bearing) or penalties in fruit quality. Therefore yield regulation is essential. The bunch architecture in SMPH differs from VSP. Generally there is a higher amount but smaller bunches with lower single berry weights in SMPH compared to VSP.

Read More