SOIL HEALTH AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN VITICULTURE

This work presents a comprehensive overview of soil health and sustainable management practices in viticulture. It addresses the physical, chemical, and biological properties of vineyard soils, with particular emphasis on soil biodiversity and the soil microbiome's role in ecosystem services. The presentation discusses major threats to vineyard soils, including compaction, erosion, organic matter decline, and contamination from fertilizers and pesticides. It explores sustainable practices such as cover cropping, organic matter management, reduced tillage, and the use of organic amendments. Special attention is given to the soil-plant-microorganism interactions in the rhizosphere, including arbuscular mycorrhizae and plant growth-promoting bacteria. The work also examines the relationship between soil health and terroir expression, highlighting how soil management practices influence vine development, phenology, and grape quality. The presentation emphasizes the need to adopt a holistic soil health approach to ensure long-term sustainability in viticulture, particularly in the context of climate change.