The experimental areas are in central FR, NW ES, and Southern PT and belong to very different edaphoclimatic (soil/climate) zones, with diverse socioeconomic circumstances. However, they face common challenges such as the loss of soil organic matter and increased water stress due to advancing climate change. All of this leads to the loss of microbial life and, consequently, soil fertility. Other problems with the soils in these areas are the impact of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
PILOT01 TERRAVITIS addresses these challenges by improving soil health/quality through the use of LCR (Lignocellulosic Residues) or their by-products (e.g., bioactive amendments), reducing the sector’s carbon footprint, and the impact of pesticides on the environment. The actions will be carried out in 3 wine-growing areas with distinct soil/climate characteristics, where the needs of each soil differ, and will include:
Diagnosis of soil health/quality in the studied regions.
Scaling up of an SSF system (TRL6 maturity level) to obtain amendments enriched with bioproducts (e.g., cellulolytic enzymes, biopesticides) from LCR of the experimental farms. Thus, solutions focused on soil sustainability will be sought by utilizing resources obtained in-situ on the farms.
Evaluation of the impact of the developed amendments on pesticides and on soil quality/health (physical, chemical, and microbiological properties). This will be done in 3 experimental farms, also addressing the study of their effect on the microbial terroir.
Micro-vinification studies to see the effect of the amendments on the final product and to obtain wines with distinctive characteristics.
With these actions, the aim is to advance the adoption of sustainable soil management practices and the minimization of diffuse pesticide contamination in vineyards, through the in-situ development of organic amendments capable of minimizing the aforementioned problems.
