The penetration resistance as a soil degradation indicator in the viticulture

Abstract

This paper deals with monitoring of changes in soil compaction at two experimental sites (Lednice and Valtice) in the alleyway of vineyards. The experimental measurements were carried out during the period 2009–2011. Penetration resistance of the soil was measured using the penetrometer (type PN 10) to a depth up to 520 mm. The measurements were carried out alternatively in variants with grassed and cultivated alleyways of vineyards. The samples were performed in the wheeltracks and in the middle of an alleyway. The control samples were performed between the plants in the row. The results show that the penetration resistance reaches lower values on the grassed alleyway. At both variants is obvious increase of the penetration resistance above the critical value already in a depth of 0.2 m. From the annual comparison of the penetration resistance it is clear the higher increase in the third year.