Why it matters ?
Cover crops are widely promoted as a sustainable practice to increase carbon storage in vineyard soils. However, their effectiveness varies greatly depending on soil and climatic conditions. This quantitative review of 95 publications shows that carbon sequestration strategies should be tailored to local conditions rather than based on broad recommendations. In particular, cover crops can increase soil carbon stocks by 40–70% under the most favourable conditions, whereas their benefit becomes limited under hot Mediterranean climates.
Our contribution
This review was initiated and led by Christine Hatté within the framework of the EJP SOIL SANCHOsTHIRST project. The study was carried out with Mukkaram Ejaz, PhD student, together with the SANCHOsTHIRST project consortium.
At a glance
🍇 95 publications analysed
🌍 188 soil profiles compiled
🌱 + 40 à + 70% increase in soil carbon stocks with cover crops (under favorable conditions)
🧩 3 key interacting drivers: management, soil type and climate.
Reference: Ejaz M., … Hatté C. (2026) Insights into the dynamics of soil organic carbon stocks in vineyards – A review article. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 409, 110528, doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2026.110528.