The international project ECOSPHEREWINES held its second general assembly virtually last December. During the consortium meeting, significant progress in each of the project’s technical areas was presented.
ECOSPHEREWINES continues its work plan, achieving advances in the two pilot areas of the project: the Northwest Peninsular pilot and the French pilot.
The Northwest Peninsular pilot includes three experimental zones located in high natural value areas in Spain and Portugal that share common challenges, such as aging populations and depopulation. The three experimental zones are Mariñas-Betanzos (Spain), Alto Douro (Portugal), and Arribes del Duero (Spain).
In October, the experimental plot in Mariñas-Betanzos was visited. Using a drone, an updated aerial photo of the site was obtained to create a cartographic survey representing the vineyard’s current condition. A new site inspection was also conducted to exchange intervention ideas, and historic corners of the Pagos de Brigante estate were visited. In addition to observing some of the fauna coexisting in the vineyard, the water outflow and existing pond were identified as areas for improvement under the project. Planned actions include the removal of invasive species and the restoration of the historic fountain that gives its name to the site – A Picha. Planting native species around the pond will enhance the ecosystem service of providing refuge and food for fauna, thereby increasing biodiversity in the area.
Regarding the experimental plot in Duorum, located in Alto Douro (Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Portugal), a trial began in November to obtain comparative results on the impact of covered soils (planted and natural) versus tilled soils on plant and animal diversity, pest biological control, erosion, and soil organic matter levels. To establish a baseline, soil samples were collected for physical-chemical and biological analysis prior to the trial. Once the modalities were defined, soil retention screens were installed to measure erosion.
In the third experimental plot of the Northwest Peninsular pilot, located in Arribes del Duero (Salamanca, Spain), project activities have also commenced. After collecting initial soil data, fine tillage was performed, followed by fertilization with sheep manure pellets. Based on these activities, three different treatments have been established to measure the soil and plant response: one plot with planted vegetation cover, another with spontaneous cover, and a third with conventional tillage. Additionally, moisture sensors have been installed in each plot at three different depths.
The French pilot is located in the Gaillac-Tarn region, at the V’Innopôle Sud-Ouest experimental plot, which has extensive experience in implementing green infrastructure solutions.
In this area, the following ecosystem services have been identified for measurement or improvement: biodiversity, biological control, temperature regulation, and carbon storage. Planned activities include assessing the site’s biodiversity carrying capacity, planting floral fallow to sustain natural predators of vine pests, and creating a temperature map to identify variations during risk periods (frosts and extreme heatwaves). Additionally, with all collected data, a carbon storage assessment will be conducted based on different soil maintenance methods and their interaction with green infrastructure.
The first actions in Gaillac are scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
