Tree-induced water stress drives root system reorientation in grapevines

Abstract

Agroforestry in vineyards has been proposed as a strategy to buffer climatic stress, potentially moderating microclimate and enhancing water availability for the vines. However, the net effects of tree proximity on grapevine water status remain unclear due to potential competition for water and nutrients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tree proximity on grapevine growth and physiology.

To do so, measurements were conducted on three sites where grapevines were grown in close proximity to tree rows. Predawn water potential and stomatal conductance, and grape quality and yield parameters were assessed on these sites as a function of distance to the tree row. On one site, where Vitis vinifera L. ‘Riesling’ was grown north of a row of field maples (Acer campestre) in a vineyard in Geisenheim, Germany, root systems of six vines were excavated and 3D-digitized in situ.

Results showed that vines closer to the trees exhibited lower stomatal conductance and more negative pre-dawn leaf water potentials, and lower berry weight and yield. Root architecture analysis revealed a pronounced tendency for roots to grow away from the trees, with limited root proliferation toward the tree row, indicating growth limitation due to competition for water.

These findings suggest that competition for water has a stronger influence on vine water balance and root development than potential facilitative effects, such as hydraulic lift or shading. This study provides a foundation for further research on tree–vine interactions in vineyard agroforestry, offering insights into root spatial dynamics and water competition under varying environmental conditions.

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Acknowledgments

This research is funded by the State of Hesse as part of the Ökoaktionsplan Hessen within the project “Agroforestry in viticulture to enhance ecological sustainability and regional value chains”.