Overcoming yield gaps in organic and biodynamic viticulture: insights from an 18-year field trial

Academic study at Geisenheim University showing that organic and biodynamic vineyards’ yields catch up over time, with biodynamic now out-performing in hot, dry years.

Doring et al., 2026

Headline Findings

• Yield gaps shrink over time – Organic and biodynamic vineyards initially produce less, but catch up after ~8–9 years.
• Climate matters – Hot, dry years favor organic/biodynamic performance; cool, wet years show persistent gaps.
• Quality maintained – Grape composition remains comparable across systems despite early differences in vine vigor.
• Long-term resilience – 18-year data show agroecological systems adapt and can be climate-resilient.
• Policy/practice insight – Extended monitoring is crucial; organic/biodynamic yields can match conventional in the long run.

Methods

• Location & Duration – 18-year field trial in a commercial vineyard in France, comparing integrated (conventional), organic, and biodynamic management.
• Experimental Design – Randomized block design with replicated plots for each system, monitored annually for yield, vine vigor, and grape quality.
• Yield components: cluster number, berry weight, pruning weight.
• Grape quality: sugar content, acidity, phenolics.
• Environmental variables: weather data (temperature, rainfall) to assess climate effects.

Results

• Yield gaps shrink: Organic/biodynamic initially 20–30% lower, catch up after ~8–9 years.
• Climate effect: Hot/dry years favor organic/biodynamic; cool/wet years show gaps.
• Vine vigor recovers: Early lower pruning weight and cluster size improve over time.
• Quality maintained: Sugar, acidity, and phenolics similar across systems.
• Long-term resilience: Organic/biodynamic systems adapt and perform comparably to conventional in the long run.

Original study here.