Abstract
ABSTRACT Soil characteristics are considered important for land use planning. Castilla La Mancha (Central Spain) has the highest concentration of vineyards in the world (about 474,000 ha). This study represents a mapping exercise to evaluate the agronomic suitability for viticulture in continental Mediterranean environment. Our study integrates data information from 33 soil profiles, that mostly developed on calcareous material (limestones, marls, and various calcareous sediments), volcanic rocks (basalt, ash, and lapillis) and/or Paleozoic rocks (quartzites, sandstones, schists, or slates) in Almagro (Castilla-La Mancha, central Spain). A distinctive feature of this region is the remarkable pedodiversity. Due to the differences in soil properties, the landforms positions entail soils with different characteristics and therefore with different limitations for land use and productivity. The presence of calcareous horizons, with alkaline pH that affects soil fertility, specifically in low values P and micronutrients such as Fe, Cu and Zn, entails resulting in yield reductions, which the wine growers normally opt for certain rootstock types. We conclude that conditions are optimal for agricultural production and sustainable vine production. These results can help policy makers in their planning of optimal land use in addition to campaigns for the improvement the region’s image.
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