Abstract
Vineyard soils show an increased risk of degradation due to being intensively cultivated. The preservation of soil integrity and fertility is a key concept of organic and biodynamic farming. However, both systems are also subject to criticism due to their higher amount of plant protection products used and their increased traffic intensity compared to integrated viticulture, both detrimental to soil quality. The aim of this study was therefore to assess long-term effects of these three management systems on chemical and physical soil quality parameters. For this purpose, topsoil samples were taken in a long-term field trial vineyard at different positions and examined for bulk density, available water capacity (AWC), soil organic carbon (SOC), N, pH, and for total and bioavailable copper (Cu) concentrations. Biodynamic plots had a lower bulk density and higher SOC concentration than the integrated ones, which is probably due to the species-rich cover crop mixture used in the inter-row. However, organic and biodynamic farming showed an accumulation of copper in the under-vine area and in the tractor track, which is problematic for soil fertility in the long-term. Therefore, alternatives for copper in plant protection are necessary to ensure sustainable soil quality through organic and biodynamic viticulture.
Highlights
The quality of agricultural soils is mainly measured by their productivity, i.e., the yield and nutritional value of the crops grown on them [1]
The concentrations of total, as well as of bioavailable copper were significantly higher in the soils of the organically and biodynamically managed plots compared to the integrated management
Repeated tractor passes in the experimental vineyard led to considerable soil compaction in the tractor track
Summary
The quality of agricultural soils is mainly measured by their productivity, i.e., the yield and nutritional value of the crops grown on them [1]. This productivity depends on the physical, chemical, and biological soil parameters and their various interactions [2]. Since soil biology is difficult to record, and its effect on plant production has only partially been unraveled the chemical and physical parameters have traditionally been given greater importance in soil evaluation [2]. Among the most important chemical soil parameters are the pH value, the mineral and organic composition of soils. The soils of permanent crops, such as grapes are at risk of a reduction
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