Carbon Sequestration, Plant Cover, and Soil Health: Strategies to Mitigate Climate Change

Climate change, driven largely by increasing atmospheric CO₂ from fossil fuel combustion and soil carbon losses caused by unsustainable land use, threatens agricultural productivity and ecosystem services. Viticulture, developed mostly in Mediterranean and temperate regions, is particularly vulnerable by rising temperatures, decreasing precipitation, and soil degradation. Nevertheless, vineyards also offer opportunities to mitigate climate change by increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) and plant biomass. This review analyzes current scientific evidence on the impact of soil management practices in vineyards. Implementing strategies such as the use of cover crops, organic amendments, the incorporation of pruning residues, and reduced tillage can significantly contribute to carbon sequestration and soil health. Sequestration rates vary widely, from 2.8 to more than 11 Mg CO₂ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, depending on climate, soil type, and practices used. Average carbon sequestration rates for crops with minimum or reduced tillage range between 2.5 and 5 Mg CO₂ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, increasing to 7 and 7.5 Mg CO₂ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ when organic fertilizers are used. Uncertainties in the economic balance, initial costs, and weak political incentives hinder the adoption of sustainable agricultural strategies, highlighting the need for further research into expanding their application. These strategies also improve microbial activity, nutrient cycling, and resilience to abiotic stresses. Tailoring integrated approaches to local environmental conditions is essential to moving toward sustainable, resilient, and climate-responsible viticulture.