VITIBOSC project promotes an ecological agroforestry vineyard in the Penedès to adapt to climate change
In response to the growing effects of climate change on vine cultivation, which reduces both production and the organoleptic quality of wine, the VITIBOSC project is committed to an innovative and sustainable solution: the integration of trees and shrubs in ecological vineyards, as agroforestry systems.
The project is led by Dr. Laura Armengot from the Agroecology research group of the Biodiversity Research Institute of the University of Barcelona.
Benefits of agroforestry systems
Agroforestry systems emerge as an innovative strategy to adapt vineyard cultivation to new environmental conditions. This practice, which consists of the integration of trees, shrubs and other perennial plants within agricultural plots, offers a wide range of benefits for both the environment and wine production.
One of the most immediate advantages is the improvement of the microclimate. Trees provide partial shade to vineyards, which helps reducing soil and air temperatures and minimizing plant heat stress. This shade can delay grape maturation, improving quality and preventing yield losses.
It can also have a positive impact on soil health and improve fertility. Tree roots add organic matter and loosen the soil, improving water infiltration. In addition, incorporating pruning waste into the soil increases organic matter.
Another key benefit is increased biodiversity. The combination of plant layers creates habitats that can promote a more balanced and resilient ecosystem. This biological diversity can attract natural enemies of vineyard pests, reducing dependence on plant protection products.
From an environmental point of view, trees act as carbon sinks, capturing atmospheric CO₂ and contributing to climate change mitigation. This function can have an added economic value through the generation of carbon credits.
Finally, agroforestry systems allow for the diversification of agricultural production. The introduction of fruit trees or other species with commercial value can generate additional income, reducing dependence on grapes and improving the economic potential of crops.
VITIBOSC Project
The VITIBOSC project is expected to have an initial duration of 2 years during which a highly diversified ecological agroforestry system will be implemented and evaluated. In April 2025, a pilot plot of almost 1 hectare was established on a Cellers Familia Torres lands, located in the Penedès wine region.
The project, a pioneer in Catalonia, seeks to adapt vineyard cultivation to new climatic conditions by improving the microclimate and reducing water and thermal stress, in addition to contributing to the mitigation of climate change by capturing CO₂ in trees and soil.
During the development of the project, the suitability of the agroforestry design will be evaluated, as well as the species planted, taking into account survival, growth, shade and the amount of biomass generated with pruning.
In addition, the diversity of flora and fauna in the soil will be monitored and how organic matter changes over time will be measured. To study the feasibility of implementing the system, installation costs will be taken into account, as well as the extra management that tree maintenance may require.
The results and knowledge obtained will be shared with the wine sector through open dissemination events, with the aim of promoting the transition towards more resilient and sustainable practices.
Project participants: Armengot Martinez L., Chamorro Lorenzo L., Pérez Ferrer A., Gómez Moreno D. Agroecology Research Group. Biodiversity Research Institute of the University of Barcelona. @agroecoub
This project is funded by the “Action of the Strategic Plan of the CAP 2023-20272” co-financed by the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación and the European Union.
