South Africa Wine Technical Yearbook 2025

DECEMBER

DESMOND THOMPSON

Rooted in research – what science says about regenerative viticulture Part 3: Functional biodiversity enhancement By Lucinda Heyns

This article is based on a recently published scientific review article. In the review article, the question was: ‘What science exists to support the efficacy of practices used in regenerative viticulture systems or approaches?’.

Introduction – a scientific look at regenerative practices Drawing from a newly published scientific review, this article explores the evidence behind regenerative viticulture (RV) practices. The review considered how a network of vineyard strategies, though distinct, collectively support RV’s fundamental goals. We’ve covered organic soil amendments, biostimulants and biocontrol agents, cover crops and weed management in Parts 1 and 2. Now, we’re putting the spotlight on functional biodiversity and how livestock fits into the picture. What do we know so far? And what questions still need answers? Practice: Cultivating functional biodiversity in vineyards While much attention in vineyard ecology has traditionally focused on species counts and taxonomic diversity, a more nuanced and impactful concept is gaining ground: functional

biodiversity. This term refers not just to how many species are present, but how those species contribute to ecosystem functions like pest control, nutrient cycling and climate resilience. In RV, enhancing functional biodiversity is not just a byproduct – it’s a core strategy. Why functional biodiversity matters Functional biodiversity groups organisms based on the roles they play in the vineyard ecosystem – whether they’re insects that pollinate, birds that deter pests, or soil microbes that recycle nutrients. By ensuring that multiple species can perform the same ecological job (a concept called “functional redundancy”), vineyards can stay resilient under pressure from drought, disease, or other stresses. The more diverse the system is in terms of functions, the more stable and productive it becomes.

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TECHNICAL YEARBOOK 2025