Organic and biodynamic viticulture: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
In agriculture including viticulture demand for organically grown crops has developed exponentially in the last few decades. Particularly in the wine sector organic and biodynamic management system are gaining more and more importance and some of the most prestigious wineries have converted to organic or biodynamic viticulture. The main objective of this study was to summarize the outcome of scientific trials done on organic and biodynamic viticulture worldwide and to thereby precisely describe and quantify the effects of the respective management systems. The review addresses the question if and how conventionally, organically and biodynamically-managed vineyards differ concerning vine growth and yield, grape composition and wine sensory characteristics. There is a qualitative statement showing overall effects of organic and biodynamic management in viticulture and quantitative findings through regression analyses of available datasets, which describe the magnitude of the effect of organic or biodynamic viticulture on different parameters. Organic and biodynamic management practices in viticulture strongly affect vine and wine properties such as yield, growth and wine sensory characteristics, but have minor effects on juice sugar concentration. This work provides a comprehensive view on organic and biodynamic viticulture and their effects on production.
Issue: GiESCO 2017
Type: Extended abstract
Format: Oral
Authors
1 Hochschule Geisenheim University, Von-Lade-Str. 1, 65366 Geisenheim, Germany
2 School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia
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Keywords
organic viticulture, biodynamic viticulture, vine, wine, wine sensory characteristics