Pluri-decennial erosion rates using SUM/ISUM and sediment traps survey in the Mercurey vineyards (Burgundy, France)

Abstract

Vineyards are often considered to be among the agricultural lands most sensitive to erosion. We used the Stock Unearthing Measurement/Improved Stock Unearthing Measurement (SUM/ISUM) method and sediment traps volume measurements to assess the pluri-decennial erosion rates on a sub-catchment of the Mercurey vineyards in Burgundy, France. The measured erosion rates were compared to local environmental conditions (such as slope, soil type, age of vines, etc.) to discuss the role of driving factors. We found that the mean erosion rate was 21.4 ± 3.1 t.ha−1.yr−1 on vine plots (from −3.2 ± 1.5 t.ha−1.yr−1 to 53 ± 5.8 t.ha−1.yr−1), while sediment accumulation rates in traps varied from 16.6 ± 5.9 (upslope) to 0.13 ± 0.05 (downslope). The measurements were characterized by variable error margins (from 7% to 43% of the measured value) that are directly correlated with erosion rates. Both slope (USLE-LS factor) and age of vines were identified as driving factors of soil erosion. Runoff is the main modality of erosion. The higher erodibility of soil during the first years after plantation (unconsolidated and bare soil); and the regular (every 15 to 20 years) backfilling of eroded plots with soil collected in downslope sediment traps can explain the effect of the age of vines on erosion. In spite of erosion control strategies, the measured rates remain higher than what can be tolerated for sustainable development of agriculture. Therefore, we suggest that the current erosion mitigation strategy should be complemented with other techniques that maintain soils on plots (e.g., grass strips on the interrows, mulching).