A 2025 global meta-analysis by Silvia Winter et al., in Science of the Total Environment found that less intensive vineyard management increases biodiversity and ecosystem services by about 14% overall, with minimal trade-offs except for reduced yields in organic systems.
Headline Findings
- Extensive vineyard management → +14% biodiversity & ecosystem services overall
- Strongest gains: carbon storage (+38%), erosion control (+26%), soil fertility (+20%), pest control (+16%)
- Semi-natural habitats → further boost pest control
- No major overall trade-offs between biodiversity and production
- Organic systems: ~−20% yield, but quality maintained
- Key drivers: cover crops ↑ benefits; herbicides & pesticides ↓ benefits
Methods
- Study type: Global meta-analysis
- Data: Results from many published vineyard studies comparing extensive vs intensive management
- Scope: Multiple regions, climates, and management systems (including organic)
- Outcomes measured:
- – Biodiversity (plants, insects, etc.)
- Ecosystem services (carbon storage, soil fertility, pest control, erosion control)
- Production metrics (yield, grape quality)
- Analysis approach:
- Calculated effect sizes (percentage change under extensive management)
- Compared across management practices (e.g., cover crops, pesticide use)
- Tested influence of landscape context (e.g., semi-natural habitats)
Results
- Overall effect: Extensive management → +14% biodiversity & ecosystem services
- Ecosystem services increased:
- Carbon storage +38%
- Erosion control +26%
- Soil fertility +20%
- Pest control +16%
- Landscape matters: Semi-natural habitats enhance pest control benefits
- Trade-offs:
- No major overall trade-off between biodiversity and production
- Organic systems: ~−20% yield, but grape quality maintained
- Key drivers:
- Cover crops → stronger positive effects
- Herbicides/pesticides → reduce benefits
Read the original study here.
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