The experimental area of Gaillac, located in Tarn, France, is currently facing a series of challenges, including:
– Water scarcity and water stress.
– The need for adaptation to climate change.
– Soils depleted of organic matter.
– Control of pests and diseases in grape crops.
– Reduced grape yield.
– Decline in wine consumption.
Through the implementation and monitoring of improvement actions in the IV, the goal is to address these challenges while promoting biodiversity, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening the territory’s resilience to climate change.
The actions will be carried out in two vineyard models, the IFV experimental vineyard as the “green” model and another vineyard in Gaillac as a “conventional” model with less IV:
1.Diagnosis of aerial biodiversity in the vineyard.
2.Creation of a temperature map of the experimental vineyard to identify cooler areas and their relation to the IV Actions, as well as their impact on the vines.
3.Experimental trial on the ecosystem services (ESS) provided by plant cover, such as green manures and temporary or permanent herbaceous covers, analyzing aspects such as nitrogen supply, water storage and release for the vines (via biomass, soil nitrogen and carbon analysis, humidity and temperature sensors, structural stability, etc.), as well as the associated biodiversity.
4.In the green vineyard, a study of the beehives and pollen analysis will be conducted to determine where the bees gather in the different IV Actions of the Vinnopôle.
With these actions, we hope to move towards a more sustainable and resilient management of high ecological value vineyards, addressing current challenges and promoting the conservation of the natural and cultural environment.