Impact of training system, soil management, and soil water holding capacity on vine water status in the Cognac production area under climate change

With climate change, the risk of water deficits in vineyards is tending to increase, potentially affecting yield and grape quality potential. In this study, the Lebon et al. (2003) soil water balance model was applied to assess the impact of training systems, soil water holding capacity (SWHC), and soil management practices on vine water status in the Cognac production area from 1962 to 2021. This research quantifies if and how water deficits can be effectively managed by modifying vine training systems and soil management practices in a wine-producing region using simulation tools. Such tools can guide research and provide actionable levers for wine producers to adapt their production system to climate change.