HORIZONTE EUROPA · SOILCRATES · LIVING LAB GRANADA TIERRA VIVA
Resilient soils, enduring vineyards
We are assessing soil resilience in the heroic mountain vineyards of Granada using drones, sensors and centuries-old dry-stone terraces.
THE PROJECT
What is SoilHeroic?
SoilHeroic is a pilot experiment in ‘heroic’ viticulture in the coastal-mountainous region of Granada (Andalusia). On extremely shallow (<15 cm), stony soils with low organic matter content, the dry-stone terraces have for decades sustained a unique, vulnerable crop that is deeply intertwined with the landscape.
We combine thermal imaging with UAVs, on-site sensors and co-creation sessions with farmers and researchers to quantify and demonstrate the benefits of organic and low-impact management practices for soil health and vineyard resilience.
1
Heroic Viticulture
Vineyards on steep slopes and dry-stone terraces, where every vine is an act of resistance against erosion.
2
Drones & Sensors
UAV thermal imaging and meteorological sensors for monitoring moisture, structure and water stress in real time.
3
Living Terraces
We compared farming methods with and without tillage, and natural vegetation versus bare soil, in the search for agroecological balance.
TECHNOLOGY IN THE SERVICE OF THE LANDSCAPE
Looking down at the ground from the sky
Aerial thermal imaging reveals patterns invisible to the human eye: areas of water stress, differences in soil structure, and crop response to management practices. Together with weather stations and soil sensors, we develop soil health indicators at farm level.
- UAV thermal and multispectral imaging.
- Weather station and humidity sensors.
- Comparison of terraces with and without tillage.
- Open data for the Farmers’ Toolbox.
OBJECTIVES
Measuring, understanding and sharing
1
Soil variability
Mapping terraces and slopes subject to different management strategies using thermal imaging and sensors.
2
Temperature patterns
To link thermal response to soil structure, moisture content and viticultural practices.
3
Organic farming
To assess the impact of low-input management on soil resilience and vineyard yield.
4
Co-creation
Sharing data and solutions through the Tierra Viva Living Lab and the Vinos de Granada PDO.
THE PLACE
La Guindalera Estate in Guájar Alto
Bodegas Calvente cultivates terraced vineyards in the heart of the Sierra de la Almijara, where the slope, the rock and the Mediterranean wind dictate the pace of work. Here, every stone wall is a piece of living heritage.
Soil depth
< 15 cm
Organic matter
< 5 %
Duration
12 meses
Start
Junio 2026
A EUROPEAN NETWORK
From the olive grove to the vineyard, from the laboratory to the field
SoilHeroic was launched as part of the European SOILCRATES project, a network of Soil Living Labs spread across Europe. At the University of Granada, it took shape as Granada Tierra Viva, from which this cascade of research applied to the ‘heroic’ vineyard emerged.
