Project Duration

01/2024 - 12/2027

Summary

The goal of the “VitiForst” research project is to lay the groundwork for interdisciplinary research into the integration of woody plants in viticulture in Baden-Württemberg. Particular emphasis is placed on climate protection and biodiversity. A multi-stage research approach is being pursued: interspecific interactions between trees and vines are being investigated through greenhouse experiments at the University of Hohenheim (including drought stress experiments). In the field, existing vitiforst areas and vitiforst-like structures (isolated trees, hedges) in and around vineyards are being sampled to assess the potential of established woody plants (e.g., assessment of flying insect diversity, rhizosphere microbiome). In parallel, long-term experimental and demonstration plots are being established at the two State Institutes for Viticulture (WBI Freiburg, LVWO Weinsberg), which will provide valuable viticultural insights in the future (e.g., effects on microclimate, yield, and grape quality). In two focus regions (Remstal, Kaiserstuhl), the transfer to practice and implementation examples are being examined in a transdisciplinary manner. In addition to the Universities of Hohenheim and Freiburg, the University of Applied Sciences for Economics and the Environment Nürtingen-Geislingen, as well as the State Research Institute for Fruit and Viticulture (LVWO) in Weinsberg and the State Viticulture Institute Freiburg (WBI) are participating in the project.