BayCEER Workshop 2026

The potential role of soil water availability in adapting viticulture to drought in the Alps

P 6 in Posters

Mountain agriculture shapes landscapes while preserving traditions. In the Alps, viticulture is a valuable activity that combines culture, economy, and ecology. However, mountain viticulture is increasingly impacted by climate change through changes in precipitation patterns and rising temperatures that drive more frequent droughts. Previous research on alpine viticulture has often focused on drought impacts and future climate projections without identifying the immediate role of nature to adapt and overcome drought impacts. In this study we aim to evaluate the potential role of soil water availability as an ecosystem condition to adapt viticulture to droughts. Drought trends were assessed using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) for the growing season from 1990 to 2020, while soil water available for plant uptake was estimated based on static soil hydraulic properties (i.e. field capacity and permanent wilting point). A spatial overlap analysis was used to identify the viticultural zones where soil water availability (mm) provides a natural drought buffering service. The first results revealed severe droughts in 2003 and 2011. In 2003, France, Slovenia, northern Italy, and parts of Germany showed a relatively high capacity to adapt to drought impacts, while southern Italy and Austria showed lower capacity. In 2011, the lower drought severity resulted in generally higher capacity across the countries. The findings revealed hotspots areas where the soil´s natural buffering capacity is able to mitigate droughts impacts; however, it varies based on the event severity and geographic region. The study provides the first insights into the natural capacity of Alpine viticulture to buffer drought impacts. 

Keywords: viticulture, droughts, soil water availability, the Alps