Embracing Nature and Technology: Adapting Viticulture in the Elbe Valley Amid Climate Change
Combating Drought and Pests in Vineyards: Innovative Biological and High-Tech Solutions Employed - Technological and organic methods employed to combat dryness and pests in grape orchards.
Wineries in Saxony, like Schloss Proschwitz Prinz zur Lippe, are adapting to the changing climate by combining natural methods and high-tech innovations in their vineyards. Björn Probst, the winery manager, highlights that the upcoming year may be dry, necessitating adjustments in soil and water management. As climate warming brings new pests, Probst emphasizes the importance of advanced plant protection, including drones and smart farming models.
To combat drought and erosion risks, Proschwitz is creating small biotopes by deep loosening soil and sowing multi-layered greening. This increases the soil's water retention capacity and promotes healthy root growth in the vines. The use of resistant varieties like the new generation of disease-resistant vines (PIWI) reduces the need for traditional bio-pesticides, such as copper and sulfur. Additional plant strengthening agents, like horsetail, valerian flowers, algae, garlic extract, and tansy, help bolster vine health. "This holistic approach sets us apart in Germany," said Probst, aiming for copper-free years in optimal conditions.
Innovative advances include the use of weather stations with sensor technology for precise leaf-moisture measurements, predicting plant protection needs. Recycling sprayers and drones are being implemented for precise applications of biological pesticides, with the Proschwitz winemakers testing application by drone in cooperation with Leipzig University in Saxony's oldest terraced vineyard in Seußlitz.
Smaller operations in the region are also grappling with changing conditions, with Saxony having one of the highest proportions of new varieties. Felix Hößelbarth, chairman of the winegrowers' association, notes the sector-wide effort to ensure viticulture's continuation. Innovative solutions for late frosts remain elusive, with each winemaker adopting their unique strategies in the hope of success.
The challenges of late frosts led to substantial yield losses in 2024 for Saxon winemakers, with Proschwitz experiencing less than a quarter of a normal harvest. Pinot noir was particularly affected, prompting a special edition from the remaining grapes in collaboration with a friendly winery in Baden: "The Ice Saints".
Topics to Consider:
- Viticulture
- Elbe Valley
- Climate change
- Drought
- High-tech
- Pests
- Saxony
- Meißen
- Drones
- Copper
- Plant protection
- Sustainability
Potential Innovations:
- Precise irrigation systems
- Disease-resistant vine varieties
- Sustainable farming practices
- Advanced pest management
- Real-time digital monitoring
- Precision agriculture techniques
- Integrated pest management strategies
While data on the specific application of these practices and technologies in the Elbe Valley is limited, adopting these methods might help vineyards in the region tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
- The Commission, in its proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of the environment, should also consider the role of environmental science and climate-change research in guiding sustainable agriculture practices, such as those employed by wineries in the Elbe Valley.
- To further enhance their vineyards' resilience to climate change, wineries in Saxony's Elbe Valley could explore the implementation of technology-driven agricultural solutions, like data-and-cloud-computing systems and precision agriculture techniques, boosting their ability to monitor and react to the ever-changing environmental conditions.
- As vineyards in the Elbe Valley navigate the complex challenges of climate change, the advancement in environmental-science knowledge could be harnessed to develop integrated pest management strategies, drawing on technologies like drones, real-time digital monitoring, and high-tech pest control mechanisms to support the ongoing success of sustainable viticulture in the region.
