Vineyards are one of the most important perennial crops in areas with a Mediterranean climate such as Andalusia, where they cover a significant portion of land, represent an invaluable cultural heritage, and are strategic for the economy. The intensification of viticulture and the excessive use of plowing, fertilizers, and pesticides have resulted in vineyards that are highly eroded, biologically impoverished, and much more susceptible to pathogens and pests. One of the regions of Andalusia that has been particularly affected by ecological degradation is the Marco de Jerez wine region, in the province of Cádiz, world famous for its fortified and biologically aged wines, and whose origins date back to the Phoenicians. This has important cultural, economic, and ecological consequences. The main objective of this project is to develop and implement innovative sustainable management strategies for vineyard soils and surrounding grassland areas of the province of Cádiz to accelerate the transition from resource-intensive conventional vineyards to sustainable high-yield vineyards that provide a wide variety of ecosystem services. To achieve these objectives, we will use a highly innovative combination of laboratory, greenhouse, and field tests, will have an elaborate dissemination plan among viticulturists and winemakers in the province of Cádiz, and will participate in events aimed at innovation in the agricultural sector. At national and international level.
Funding agency: Proyecto de la Junta de Andalucía concedido al Grupo Operativo “Suelos Vivos” de la Agencia Europea de Innovación a través de la Línea ITI de Cádiz (2021-2023)