Life cycle assessment of active spring frost protection methods in viticulture in the Loire Valley and Champagne French regions

Wind machines and sprinklers emerged as the most environmentally friendly active spring frost protection methods (ASFPMs) for viticulture, outperforming antifrost candles and heaters in both the Loire Valley and Champagne regions. A context-specific life cycle assessment (LCA) revealed that while these technologies reduce climate change impacts, sprinklers notably increased water scarcity. Sensitivity analysis showed that instant ASFPMs like heaters exhibited greater variability due to high direct emissions during use, whereas infrastructure-based methods demonstrated more stable performance. The study highlights the importance of integrating context-specific factors—such as frost hours and local conditions—to accurately assess environmental trade-offs in viticulture.

Baillet, V., Pauthier, B., Payen, A., Naviaux, P., Symoneaux, R., Chassaing, T., & Renaud-Gentié, C. (2025). Life cycle assessment of active spring frost protection methods in viticulture in the Loire Valley and Champagne French regions. OENO One, 59(1). https://doi.org/10.20870/oeno-one.2025.59.1.8408