The potential of integrating biochar and stable isotope technologies for regenerative viticulture under climate change

Abstract

Purpose: Climate change is driving adaptation in vineyard management, with increasing focus on sustainability and long-term soil resilience. In Australia, the development and implementation of sustainable vineyard management practices are encouraged by the Australian Wine Industry, supported by national industry initiatives and certification programs. This review defines regenerative viticulture (RV), with a focus on soil microbe – plant – soil system dynamics and the role of biochar as a management intervention. Materials and methods: Within the RV framework, and with biochar application as the central management tool, this review synthesises the key biogeochemical mechanisms affecting vineyard soil health, particularly soil carbon (C) dynamics, nitrogen (N) transformations and soil water availability. It explores the prospective use of industry waste as a biochar source, and highlights the potential of stable C, N and oxygen (O) isotope compositions or natural abundance methods, alongside water extractable C and N pools, to fingerprint and quantify interactive soil C, N and hydrological processes. Discussion: This review highlights the potential of biochar application for developing a superfunctional platform to enhance soil biodiversity and ecosystems functioning (particularly C, N and hydrological cycles) for RV in Australia and elsewhere. The use of stable C, N and O isotope compositions and water extractable C and N are proposed as novel tools to monitor and advance a deeper understanding of the key soil-plant-microbe interactions within RV systems. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of implementing biochar-based technologies as a key tool to promote soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions in the context of climate change, which can be fingerprinted by innovative isotope natural abundance methods for RV futures in Australia and elsewhere.