• A course organised by CIHEAM Zaragoza and the OIV encourages adoption of sustainable and efficient practices to overcome the challenges of climate change and strengthen the competitiveness of the wine-growing sector

8 July 2024.- Wine-growing regions are currently facing the consequences of climate change and are having to make substantial changes in their traditional agricultural practices. In the light of increasing uncertainty regarding water availability and greater threats to soil fertility, management of soil and water has become a critical factor.

Moreover, due to rising global temperatures and difficulty in maintaining viticulture activity in traditional wine-growing areas, producers will have to establish new vineyards. Water availability will be an important consideration and growers will need to manage soil and water resources efficiently.

Aware of these challenges, CIHEAM Zaragoza and the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) organised the course ‘Sustainable Water and Soil Management for Resilient Viticulture’, to promote sustainable crop management and improve the sector’s competitiveness.

The training brought together 35 professionals from 20 countries (Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Germany, France, Greece, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye and the United States) who attended the course either in person or on line. The programme included theoretical sessions, case studies, exchange of experiences between countries, and technical visits to wineries of Aragon (Spain).

ADVANCES IN WATER AND SOIL MANAGEMENT FOR RESILIENT VITICULTURE

The course presented new methods and technologies for water and soil management to improve vineyard productivity and efficiency, contributing to innovative and technologically advanced agriculture that respects the environment and facilitates the conservation of natural resources.

Ramzi Belkhodja, academic coordinator of the course and administrator of the area of Plant Production, Health and Breeding in CIHEAM Zaragoza’s training unit, comments on the training event: "The participants explored a range of technologies and innovative practices for sustainable water and soil management such as use of efficient irrigation systems, cover crops or re-use of water. These practices optimise water use, contribute to carbon sequestration, and improve soil health".

The training also emphasised the importance of understanding vine ecophysiology and managing the vine’s microclimate to reduce water stress and improve water use efficiency. According to the experts participating in the course, it is necessary to understand how the flows of energy and mass work and comprehend the energy balance of the leaves and the canopy. In this way growers can deliver irrigation water with greater precision and optimise water use.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION BETWEEN GRAPE PRODUCERS, RESEARCHERS AND PROFESSIONALS OF THE SECTOR

The course provides an opportunity for networking between growers, researchers and professionals from the sector in different countries to enhance knowledge-sharing, strengthen international cooperation and develop joint projects.

Besides the practical examples provided through the case studies, participants had the opportunity to present their experiences in vineyard water and soil management in their countries of origin, showing how different strategies and technologies can be applied in a range of contexts.

"Once they have finished the course, participants will be able to apply the practices and technologies in their own vineyards, making the sector more sustainable in Mediterranean climates which are particularly vulnerable to climate change", concludes Belkhodja.