In the vineyard, floristic diversity is to be increased by sowing species-rich and site-specific wild plant mixtures in the inter--rows. Wild bees and pest antagonists are used as key indicators to assess the success of the intended transformation to biodiversity vineyards.

Regions involved:

Saale-Unstrut (Germany)
Luberon (France)
Southern Styria (Austria)
Eger/Tokaj (Hungary)

In order to avoid the use of chemical herbicides in the undervine area, three alter-natives are tested: mechanical tillage, treatment with acetic acid and treatment with pelargonic acid. The effects on the vegetation in the undervine area and in the inter-row are then evaluated.

Regions involved:

Saale-Unstrut (Germany)
Southern Styria (Austria)

Alternatives to area fertilisation will be investigated. On the one hand, a com-parison will be made with under-floor application directly on the vine rows, and on the other hand, a comparison between mineral and organic fertilisation will be done. The effects of the fertilisation variants on the vegetation, the soil, the vines and the economic efficiency are to be quantified.

Regions involved:

Saale-Unstrut (Germany)
Southern Styria (Austria)

With the aim of reducing drought-related stress on vines and water consumption, the effects of above- and below-ground drip irrigation on vines will be compared. For this purpose, investigations of leaf water potential, chlorophyll content, yield and grape quality are planned. Possible negative effects of irrigation on above- and below-ground biodiversity will also be analysed.

Regions involved:

Saale-Unstrut (Germany)
Luberon (France)

This work package includes a detailed assessment of ecosystem services in vineyards, a cost-benefit analysis and a transnational review of project indicators. In the end an overall assessment of project impacts with a special focus on climate change adaptation will be available.