Biodiversity Conservation in Vineyard Ecosystems

Vineyards are dynamic agroecosystems that support a rich array of flora and fauna, from soil microbes and invertebrates to pollinators and vertebrates. Conservation efforts in these landscapes aim to reconcile grape production with the maintenance of ecological functions such as pollination, natural pest regulation, soil health and water quality. Key strategies include the preservation of semi-natural habitats at the field edge, the adoption of diversified inter-row vegetation, judicious use of pesticides and soil management practices that foster habitat heterogeneity. A landscape approach recognises that the configuration and composition of surrounding habitats influence biodiversity within vineyards, with complex mosaics of woodlands, hedgerows and grasslands bolstering natural enemy communities and reducing pest outbreaks. Practical applications range from sowing cover-crop mixtures to creating bare-ground patches for ground-nesting insects, all of which contribute to resilient vineyard ecosystems and sustainable wine production.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have examined how organic and conventional farming systems shape multi-taxon communities in vineyards. Field-scale practices such as tillage regime, insecticide intensity and soil copper concentration were identified as primary drivers of species abundance, with organic vineyards showing higher numbers of springtails and spiders but mixed effects on pollinators and microbial biomass. This work emphasises that farming system labels alone are insufficient to predict biodiversity outcomes; rather, detailed management components must be considered. Insights from this research underpin the development of targeted interventions that integrate specific practices to maximise both yield and conservation goals in viticultural landscapes.

Biodiversity Conservation in Vineyard Ecosystems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in biodiversity conservation in vineyard ecosystems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Agronomic practices: Methods of vineyard cultivation and management, including inter-row vegetation control, soil tillage, fertilisation and pesticide application.

Semi-natural habitat: Landscape elements such as grasslands, woodlands or hedgerows that are minimally managed and provide refuge and resources for native species.

Inter-row management: The suite of practices applied to the strips of land between vine rows, encompassing soil disturbance, cover crops and herbicide use, which directly affect habitat structure and biodiversity.

Natural enemies: Predatory or parasitic organisms, including insects and arachnids, that suppress pest populations in agricultural systems.

References

1. Multi-community effects of organic and conventional farming practices in vineyards. Scientific Reports (2021).
2. Climate and landscape composition explain agronomic practices, pesticide use and grape yield in vineyards across Italy. Agricultural Systems (2024).
3. Contrasting effects of vineyard type, soil and landscape factors on ground‐ versus above‐ground‐nesting bees. Journal of Applied Ecology (2023).
4. The Ecotoxicity of Pesticides Used in Conventional Apple and Grapevine Production in Austria Is Much Higher for Honeybees, Birds and Earthworms than Nature-Based Substances Used in Organic Production. Agrochemicals (2024).