South Africa Wine Technical Yearbook 2025

FIGURE 1 Illustrates the potential impacts of selected RV practices on aspects of vineyard soil health and GHG emissions. [(Extracted from O’Brien, F., Nesbitt, A., Sykes, R. & Kemp, B. (2025). Regenerative viticulture and climate change resilience. OENO One, 59(1), as allowed by the following Creative Commons licence: https://creativecommons. org/licenses/by/4.0/.]

However, introducing new habitat structures must be approached with care. Green infrastructure can sometimes attract unintended pests, so local ecological assessments are essential before making major changes. Integrated livestock systems – grazing towards biodiversity Another powerful method for increasing functional biodiversity in vineyards is through integrated crop livestock systems. Grazing animals – particularly sheep – can reduce reliance on mechanical or chemical weed control, aerate the soil, and even assist with leaf removal. These benefits depend heavily on factors like grazing timing, intensity and animal type. For example, too many animals or poorly timed grazing can lead to soil compaction or damage to young vines. But when managed well, sheep grazing can recycle nutrients, add organic matter, and enhance soil microbial activity. Importantly, the environmental impact of livestock, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions, appears to be less severe than often assumed. A two-year study in a Californian biodynamic vineyard found that sheep grazing did not significantly affect overall emissions of CO 2 , N 2 O, or methane. Peaks in N 2 O emissions were mainly linked to wet conditions and localised urine patches, suggesting rainfall patterns play a larger role in emissions than the animals themselves. A need for continued research Table 1 summarises the roles of fauna in regenerative viticulture systems and the impact of management

practices on their abundance. The interactions between functional biodiversity and RV practices are complex and often location-specific. From soil fauna to flying predators, every living component of the vineyard has the potential to contribute – or occasionally complicate – ecosystem functioning. Future research needs to focus not just on individual species or management practices, but on the synergies between them. For example, how do mulching and cover cropping interact with insect populations? Can grazing regimes be tailored to avoid negative impacts on soil structure while maximising pest control? A holistic understanding of these relationships is crucial for vineyard managers aiming to transition to or optimise regenerative systems. Management decisions that promote functional biodiversity could lead to reduced inputs, enhanced yield stability, and improved environmental outcomes – all while contributing to a more resilient and sustainable viticultural landscape. This integrated, nature-friendly approach is not just an ecological ideal; it’s becoming a practical necessity in the face of climate change and increasing consumer scrutiny. Conclusion: Regenerative viticulture – towards a more resilient wine future RV is not just a rebranding of sustainable or organic practices. It’s a transformative approach that seeks to restore and enhance the ecological processes upon which vineyard productivity and resilience depend. Rather than simply replacing synthetic inputs with organic alternatives, RV advocates for a holistic, ecosystem-based model that

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TECHNICAL YEARBOOK 2025