Integrated sustainability assessment in viticulture: An indicator-based approach applied to organic vineyards

Abstract

Over the past two decades, sustainable vineyard management practices have become increasingly important as the wine industry is facing critical challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation. In this context, developing reliable and robust methods to evaluate the sustainability of viticulture systems is essential for guiding the adoption of more effective and environmentally responsible strategies. This study examines the use of indicators to assess the impact of vineyard management practices on biodiversity and soil health in Franciacorta, a renowned Italian wine region celebrated for its high-quality sparkling wines. A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted to identify key areas of impact associated with vineyard management. Relevant indicators were selected, calculated, and normalized to evaluate the effectiveness of the practices implemented. The analysis focused on factors such as organic carbon content, water retention capacity, soil compaction, erosion rates, microbial diversity, and the abundance of soil fauna. Practices such as cover cropping, composting, and soil tillage were assessed for their contributions to these indicators. The collected data were processed using normalization techniques to ensure comparability across diverse metrics and to facilitate a comprehensive visualization of the cumulative effects of these practices through intuitive models. The results highlight that sustainable practices, such as cover cropping and the application of organic amendments, significantly enhance biodiversity and improve soil quality. Furthermore, the integration of these indicators into a cohesive framework offers a practical tool for evaluating vineyard sustainability, supporting informed decision-making, and balancing productivity with environmental stewardship. This methodology provides a structured foundation for assessing sustainability in viticulture and contributes to the development of practices that better align with ecological and agronomic objectives. Additionally, sustainable viticulture has the potential to emphasize the benefits of natural capital, enhancing ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling, pest regulation, and water retention, ultimately fostering long-term resilience and productivity in agricultural systems.