Effects of management and seed mixture on species composition of vineyard inter-row vegetation, soil characteristics and grape berry traits

Abstract

Context and purpose. Viticulture has exerted a profound influence on the landscape and biodiversity of numerous countries for centuries. In recent decades, viticultural landscapes have undergone strong alterations. In regions with flat terrain, the intensity of management practices has generally increased, leading to adverse effects on landscape aesthetics and biodiversity. However, a range of measures can be employed to halt and reverse these negative trends, thereby enhancing the value of vineyards for biodiversity conservation and associated ecosystem services. The AmBiTo project is developing strategies to promote biodiversity in vineyards.

Materials and methods. Vineyard inter-row vegetation plays a critical role in maintaining biodiversity, soil health and grapevine productivity. We investigated the effects of different management practices and seed mixtures on species composition of inter-row vegetation, soil characteristics, and grape berry traits. Three management regimes (mowing, mulching and rolling) combined with three seed mixtures (combinations of different native wildflowers and grasses) and greening by spontaneous species were evaluated over three growing seasons in ten experimental vineyards in the regions Rheingau and Rheinhessen, Germany.

Results. Our results demonstrated that species composition of the inter-row vegetation was significantly influenced by the selected management practice and seed mixture. Furthermore, the soil organic matter and nutrient content, as well as grape berry traits, were also affected by vegetation management and seed mixture. Our findings highlight that tailored vegetation management strategies and seed mixtures have the potential to enhance vineyard biodiversity and sustainability, as well as grape quality.