Biochar, Properties and Skills with a Focus on Implications for Vineyard Land and Grapevine Performance

Abstract

Biochar has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing vineyard sustainability by improving soil properties and mitigating climate change impacts. This review highlights key findings on biochar’s role in viticulture, focusing on its effects on soil fertility, water retention, and plant physiology. Field and pot studies demonstrate that biochar amendments enhance soil structure, increase cation exchange capacity (CEC), and promote water availability, leading to improved drought resistance in grapevines. However, the impacts on grape yield, physiology, and quality remain inconclusive, with some studies reporting benefits while others show neutral effects. Future research should focus on optimizing biochar application rates, understanding its interactions with soil microbiota, and assessing long-term impacts on grape production and wine quality. Additionally, addressing potential risks, such as heavy metal contamination and changes in microbial communities, is crucial for its safe and effective use. This review aims to supply a comprehensive assessment of our knowledge about the incidence and consequences of biochar on soil, including its potential use in soil remediation and concerns regarding its possible negative impacts, with a focus on its effects on vine physiology and grape production.