Extreme weather conditions such as heat, drought and heavy rain are putting increasing pressure on winegrowing. Soil erosion is a major problem for winegrowers. Vineyards on slopes such as the Moselle, Rhine or Elbe are particularly affected by this. Soil is eroded or washed away by wind and rain, leaving the vines without a basis for growth.

Digital decision-making aid for winegrowers

An EU project involving researchers from Trier University aims to remedy this situation. Together with partners from Spain and Greece, a team led by Manual Seeger wants to develop an app over the next four years to protect vineyards from soil erosion. The software is intended to provide information on the respective soil conditions, the establishment of green growth that holds the soil together and pest detection, thus helping winegrowers to make the right decisions regarding soil protection.

“We have a lot of experience with field measurements, drone recordings and vegetation documentation,” explains Manuel Seeger, Senior Academic Advisor in Physical Geography at the University of Trier. “In addition, the situation at our partners in Granada with steep slopes on slate is comparable to our wine-growing region.”

Using the soil protection app for other branches of agriculture

In addition to direct application in viticulture, the researchers want to examine whether the methodology can also be applied to other branches of agriculture. 

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