The Science Behind Sustainable Practices

Soil Health

Healthy soil underpins everything: - Mycorrhizal networks: Fungi helping nutrient exchange - Organic matter: Increases water retention, reduces erosion - Biodiversity: Beneficial insects control pests - Carbon sequestration: Vineyards as carbon sinks

Cover Crops Benefits: - Nitrogen fixation (legumes) - Erosion control - Pest habitat for beneficials - Improved soil structure

Disease Management Without Chemicals

Copper and Sulfur: - Allowed in organic farming - Copper accumulation concerns - Research into alternatives - Resistant varieties development

Biological Controls: - Bacillus thuringiensis for grape moths - Predatory mites for spider mites - Confusion sexuelle widespread - Bat and bird boxes encouraged

Climate Adaptation

Sustainable practices help climate resilience: - Deeper roots: Access water in drought - Higher altitude planting: Cooler temperatures - Canopy management: Shade grapes from extreme heat - Water retention: Organic matter holds moisture - Biodiversity: System resilience