Vitiforesterie :integrating trees into vineyards

Technical articles - Earthworm Production - Biodiversity, Diversification

Arboriculture Viticulture Vitiforestry Agroforestry Sustainable Viticulture

Faced with increasing climate and environmental challenges, more and more winegrowers are interested in vitiforestry, a practice that combines trees and vines on the same plot. Inherited from ancient methods, this agroecological approach aims to restore natural balances while diversifying production and strengthening vineyard resilience. This article presents the principles, benefits, and technical recommendations for effectively integrating trees into viticultural systems.

Why integrate trees into vineyards?

Vitiforestry combines two perennial plants — trees and vine — on the same plot. Several models exist: trees in rows between the vines, hedges on the edges or inside the plots, or isolated trees directly integrated into the rows. Originating from Antiquity, this traditional method places the vine back into its ecosystem, using the tree as a living stake and promoting a symbiotic relationship.

The ecological benefits are multiple: better valorization of water and nutrients, enrichment of biodiversity (soil, fauna, flora). Trees also create a favorable microclimate through shading, wind reduction, maintaining humidity during heatwaves, and better drainage during storms. They help mitigate extreme temperature fluctuations induced by climate change. Additionally, they allow for diversified production: timber, energy, fruits, nuts, etc.

How to adapt tree species and practices to viticulture?

The choice of species and management methods must be adapted to the pedoclimatic context as well as the winegrower's objectives: improving biodiversity, producing wood or fruits, protecting against lateral winds or temperature fluctuations. It is essential to choose species whose life cycle is similar to that of the vine to avoid trees outliving the vineyard. For example, avoid short-lived trees like peach tree in long-term vineyards.

Tree alignments are often oriented north-south to optimize sunlight exposure. Their density and planting distances must be adjusted according to plot constraints, mechanization, maintenance, and regulations (specifications, AOC). It is recommended to plant 30 to 50 trees per hectare, with spacing of 3 to 5 meters between trees and the first vine rows, and 25 to 30 meters between alignments.

Technical guidelines

Natural regeneration, through the conservation of spontaneous trees, strengthens system resilience and vigor, as these trees are better adapted to the local environment.
The climatic effects of trees depend on foliage density, spacing, orientation, and height, which influence the overall impact.
Vitiforestry is an agroecological practice to be combined with other techniques such as cover crops, input reduction, or irrigation management.

Ecological benefits of trees and hedges in viticulture

Trees and hedges absorb excess water during heavy rains, reducing the risk of waterlogging. They also limit frost damage by acting as a buffer against extreme cold. During dry periods, evapotranspiration increases humidity beneficial to vegetation. Shading reduces temperature during heatwaves. Dense hedges act as windbreaks, while tree rows pruned to a high canopy improve row ventilation.

Thanks to their deep rooting, trees promote water and nutrient infiltration, while structuring the soil and reducing the risk of asphyxiation. They restore biodiversity through ecological corridors and natural interactions between plants, beneficial organisms, and pests, reducing input needs. Organic matter from leaves, roots, or chipped wood enriches soil fertility and stimulates microbial life.

Water and nutrient competition

Trees with deep roots access water resources unavailable to vines, but competition can occur in the first 2 to 3 rows nearby. Studies show that competition for nitrogen is more pronounced than for water (Trambouze & Goma-Fortin, 2013). To limit this, techniques such as root pruning (notched tool) every three years can be used. The introduction of cover crops, especially legumes, also fixes nitrogen and returns it to the soil for the benefit of the vine.

Canopy management

Canopy management is essential to reduce water consumption. Winter pruning reduces canopy and root system volume, inducing partial degradation of fine roots. Green pruning during the season reduces transpiration. Coppicing every 5 to 10 years also helps control tree size to avoid excessive competition.