Analyzing the impact of agroforestry on the soil in vineyards

A new partner has joined fields4ever, Les Vignerons de Buzet. The project analyzes the impact of agroforestry on the soil microbiome in vineyards.

Project explanation

Samples required and project description

This project collected 28 soil samples. 16 soil samples have been granted as part of the fields4ever Initiative to use in the monitoring program for vineyards.

Description

The project aims to assess the overall effects of the impact of agroforestry on the soil microbiome. Soil health, the growth of the vineyard, and the quality of the grapes will be analyzed in different tree lines. Bioindicators include microbial taxonomy, community structure, and functional indexes.

Methodology

BeCrop technology will be applied in this project. Soil sampling will be collected over a period of time. Pre-harvest and Post-treatment in 14 different blocks with 1 replication per each.

Goals

The project seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• Analyze the impact of agroforestry on the taxonomy, diversity, and functional capacity of the soil microbiome.
• Know the resident soil microbiome associated with different plots, diverse varieties, and time points.
• Describe the impact of certain Biostimulants or biocontrol products on the soil microbiome.
• Analyze soil biodiversity and soil functions e.g., nutrient cycling, fertilization mobilization, and disease risk based on the presence of pathogens.

Les Vignerons de Buzet

Having nature as a model has always been the credo of the cooperative Les Vignerons de Buzet. Les Vignerons de Buzet is inspired by it to plant and cultivate its "New Age" vineyard. The objective of this experimental vineyard is to achieve a self-fertile vineyard, without chemical inputs and resistant to bio-aggressors (mildew, oidium, insect pests), without forgetting the profitability of the latter.

This "New Age" vineyard presents more than 30 experimental methods and different techniques such as agroforestry e.g., canopy, hedges, trees in the rows of vines, and wetlands. Resistant grape varieties, high technology...the idea is to build a set of innovative knowledge that can be used when the time comes for our members' farms.

Head of the project

Carine Magot

Winegrowing department

Head of the Vignerons de Buzet's winegrowing department, Carine Magot knows that, when it comes to reducing inputs, you create the path as you go. In recent years, the Lot-et-Garonne cooperative winery has carried out a number of precision viticulture trials to meet growing societal requirements and is now embarking on a new phase with the establishment of an 11-hectare experimental vineyard in which various types of grape varieties, agroforestry and management methods, including zero inputs (pesticides, fertilizers, etc.), are being deployed. For the agricultural engineer, the challenge is to obtain results that can be replicated by every winegrower.

Get involved today!