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Conventional methods used by many viticulturalists today can be shown to result in intense soil degradation and increased chemical dependency. For the vineyard this means less water retention, more soil erosion and weaker plants. Consequences for the larger ecosystem can be even more serious. Regenerative Viticulture (RV) offers a holistic solution which promises viticulturalists an opportunity to repair ecosystems and revitalise soil and crops.
Regenerative Viticulture vs Organic/Conventional Viticulture
Before we look at some of the characteristics and details of RV, it is useful to discuss some of the ways in which this practice differs from organic and other conventional viticultural practices.
Organic Viticulture aims to increase soil health by minimising use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers in favour of natural alternatives such as composting, using natural fertilisers and natural pest control methods. While these tenets are also upheld in RV, a broader focus on ecosystem regeneration and proliferation of soil biomass is what sets RV apart.
By considering long-term sustainability through biodiversity, RV is able to create soil which is robust and self-sustaining, and a viticultural ecosystem which grows stronger and more virile with time.
While an organic approach and RV both reject many harmful conventional norms to the benefit of the broader ecosystem, RV practices result in far greater carbon sequestration in the soil. This results in a more vibrant and fertile soil ecosystem as well as creating a positive impact on the global environment.
Why use Regenerative Viticulture?
Conventional viticultural practices such as frequent tilling of soil, chemical interventions and monoculturalism can be shown to lead to poor soil and crop outcomes and negative environmental consequences. This can be seen in soil erosion, poor fertility and minimal soil biomass. Although organic alternatives can be shown to benefit soil health and mitigate some serious issues that conventional practices create, there remain significant shortcomings to this approach.
By implementing a regenerative ethos, farmers can establish greater biodiversity both within their soil (in the form of beneficent microbes and fungi) as well as above ground (in the form of valuable insect and plant life). Not only will this process result in healthier and more resilient soil which retains water more effectively and mitigates erosion, but the carbon sequestration will prompt benefits to the environment even outside your vineyard.
What does Regenerative Viticulture entail?
Cover Cropping: The planting of cover crops such as grasses, legumes and brassicas between rows of vines has been shown to reduce erosion and encourage proliferation of beneficial microorganisms.
Reduced Tillage: Minimising or eliminating tilling and other soil disturbances preserves the natural structure of the soil and reduces risk of erosion. Further, microbial activity is encouraged.
Composting and Mulching: Covering bare soil in compost as well as natural materials like straw and wood chips helps to maintain moisture in the soil and also enhances nutrient content while adding organic matter to the soil.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Using a combination of natural and biological pest management methods in order to minimise reliance on synthetic pesticides and create a balanced ecosystem.
Biodiversity enhancement: Planting a variety of tree, shrub or flower species in and around the vineyard in order to encourage pollinator and other wildlife activity.
Soil Monitoring: Testing soil for indicators regarding organic matter content, microbial activity and nutrient levels. This data guides decision making and helps to assess the impact of recent developments.
Integrating Livestock (Grazing): Employing the help of grazing livestock such as sheep and chickens in order to manage crops and weeds, as well as aid pest control.
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