Agrology: Measuring and Quantifying Climate-Smart Impact on Vineyard Soil Health

Each vineyard block has its own story, with unique soil conditions, climate influences, and vine requirements. Agrology empowers vintners and grape growers to uncover that story in real time by providing precise measurements of the impact that climate-smart practices, such as regenerative agriculture, have on vineyard soil health. Agrology’s technology goes beyond conventional monitoring by delivering data at the ground level—down to the specific vineyard block or row—showing exactly how viticulture practices impact soil health and productivity.

Actionable Insights at the Ground Level

Agrology devices monitor soil microbial activity, soil moisture, and soil carbon, offering growers a holistic view of their soil’s biological activity. This is essential for nurturing a resilient vineyard ecosystem, as a biologically active soil promotes healthier vines, boosts nutrient cycling, enhances water retention, and contributes to climate resilience. By quantifying these indicators, Agrology enables vintners to make data-driven decisions, supporting the business case for regenerative viticulture as a means to boost both profitability and sustainability.

Growers who use Agrology can track how specific practices, such as cover cropping or composting, impact soil health and contribute to broader ecological goals. For instance, Bonterra Organic Estates recently observed a nearly threefold increase in soil respiration in one vineyard block compared to a reference site, showcasing a significant rise in microbial activity attributed to their regenerative program. From May to September 2024, this elevated biological activity fostered improved nutrient cycling, better soil structure, and greater pest resilience—all essential for long-term vineyard health.

Real-World Success in the Field

Caine Thompson of O’Neill Vintners is among Agrology’s customers leveraging these insights to enhance regenerative practices. Initially, his team deployed Agrology devices on a small scale, comparing regenerative and conventionally farmed blocks. The data revealed substantial differences in soil carbon flux and microbial activity, leading Thompson to expand Agrology’s reach across additional acreage. By monitoring factors like soil respiration, moisture retention, and in-canopy temperature variations, Caine’s team gained a comprehensive understanding of how their regenerative approach was affecting soil health and crop resilience.

Agrology’s system measures the total CO₂ respiration—a direct indicator of microbial activity in the soil. Researchers have relied on this metric for over 50 years to assess soil health, as CO₂ levels reflect the ‘breathing’ of soil microbes as they digest organic matter and cycle nutrients. High respiration rates indicate healthy, active soils teeming with beneficial microorganisms, which are vital for supporting vine health and productivity.

A Trusted Partner for Leading Vineyards

Agrology collaborates with some of the most respected names in the wine industry to drive data-backed climate-smart practices. Notable Agrology clients include Beckstoffer Vineyards, Bonterra Organic Estates, Clif Family Winery, Emeritus Vineyards, The Duckhorn Portfolio, The Donum Estate, Jordan Winery, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Napa Green, Silver Oak, Sonoma County Winegrowers, and Zaca Mesa. These industry leaders trust Agrology to help them measure, manage, and improve their regenerative practices, making a positive impact on both their vineyards and the environment.

Making Regenerative Viticulture Measurable and Manageable

Agrology’s technology ensures that vineyard managers and winemakers have the data they need to validate and refine their climate-smart practices. From increased water retention and soil carbon stocks to a biologically rich soil ecosystem, Agrology quantifies the benefits of regenerative farming. With Agrology, vintners can move beyond intuition, gaining actionable insights that inform sustainable decisions and bolster their reputation as stewards of the land.

Visit Agrology’s booth to learn how you can harness real-time data and improve soil health with confidence. Let Agrology help you quantify the impact of your climate-smart practices and ensure your vineyard thrives, season after season.

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Agrology is a leading agricultural technology company, a National Science Foundation award recipient, and a Public Benefit Corporation dedicated to providing real-time data that helps growers directly measure the ecological and agronomic impacts of their regenerative farming practices and microclimate. Agrology monitors soil health, microbial activity, the carbon cycle, nitrous oxide emissions and a comprehensive agronomic dataset, empowering growers to monitor and predict growing conditions, as well as measure and link regenerative or sustainable practices to ground-truth GHG reductions and ecological impacts. Trusted by top growers, researchers, and global CPG brands, Agrology has offices in Alexandria, Virginia, and Salinas, California. Discover more at Agrology.ag

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