Abstract
The importance of soil properties in wine grape production is generally treated as secondary to climate and canopy management. This study was undertaken to characterize and classify a singular soil resource for a vineyard in a traditional viticultural region: Castilla-La Mancha, central Spain. The soil under study was described and sampled using standard soil survey procedures as outlined by FAO, and served as a pedologic window for Gleyic Fluvisol (Calcaric, Humic), according to the FAO System, or Fluventic Haploxerept, according to the Soil Taxonomy System. This soil, developed on alluvial materials of Holocene age related to the Gigüela river (either carbonatic or gypsiferous) has, in addition to obvious hydromorphic features (that reduce its use), high organic matter content (5.5% in the Ap horizon) and moderate salt content (between 1.14 and 2.39 dS/m). Other properties are common to most vineyard soils in Castilla-La Mancha, such as alkaline reactivity (pH between 7.6 and 8.2); calcium and magnesium as the dominant cations followed by sodium and potassium; finally, some deficiency in N (0.11%) and P (12.3 mg/kg). The most restricting soil factors for vineyard growth of this soil type were waterlogging, which can affect vine roots, and the appearance of certain salinity problems. The final conclusion of this study was that the use of the studied soil type for vineyard cultivation could be recommended to farmers only in the case of improving soil properties—for example, draining the river level.
Highlights
The specific objectives of this study were to (a) assess the main characteristics of a soil developed on an alluvial material of Holocene age related to the Cigüela river catchment, and (b) to determine the suitability of this type of soil for the cultivation of grapevines while identifying the environmental factors affecting vineyard growth
From the Ap to Cg2 horizons, the pH values of the soil samples varied within the limits of a moderately alkaline soil, and were approximately 7.6 to 8.2
Given its geomorphological position—with the consequent risk of having gleyic properties—and moderate salinity, it would be advisable to use it for other types of crops. Some morphological properties, such as the solum thickness and the thickness of the epipedons, and some soil physicochemical properties, were similar to those in other soils developed within the area
Summary
Fluventic Haploxerept, according to the Soil Taxonomy System. This soil, developed on alluvial materials of Holocene age related to the Gigüela river (either carbonatic or gypsiferous) has, in addition to obvious hydromorphic features (that reduce its use), high organic matter content The final conclusion of this study was that the use of the studied soil type for vineyard cultivation could be recommended to farmers only in the case of improving soil properties—for example, draining the river level. Wine is a pillar of history, tradition and culture. It is an essential component of the valued Mediterranean diet, as is the case with olive oil.
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