TY - JOUR
T1 - Combining Improved Stock Unearthing Method and ancillary measurements to assess catch crops impacts on soil mobilisation in vineyards
AU - Rodrigo-Comino, Jesus
AU - Jodar-Abellan, Antonio
AU - Caballero-Calvo, Andres
AU - Yanez, Maria Dolores Carmona
AU - Ondono, Emilia Fernandez
AU - Duran-Zuazo, Victor Hugo
AU - Keesstra, Saskia D.
PY - 2024/10/8
Y1 - 2024/10/8
N2 - Many aspects regarding the reduction of soil erosion and the effectiveness of nature-based solutions, such as catch crops and their spatial distribution, still remain unknown. To address these questions, in this study, we utilized a combination of the Improved Stock Unearthing Method (ISUM), surveys of biomass and vine vigor, and soil profile characterization in a Mediterranean vineyard located in the unexplored viticultural region of Valle de Lecrín (Granada, Spain). Our findings revealed that the use of catch crops after cutting the vines did not lead to significant changes in soil properties along the profile, including organic matter, aggregate stability, and nutrient content, but there were positive results in reducing soil surface lowering in specific areas. These positive outcomes also correlated with the highest levels of vine vigor, measured by assessing the vine’s perimeter at three different heights. ISUM, utilizing the graft union as a passive bioindicator to assess surface lowering predominantly caused by soil erosion rates and surface changes, showed a sedimentation rate of 17.88 t ha–1yr–1. Under the vine these rates reached a total of 13.73 t ha–1yr–1 and along the rest of the inter-row area much lower values (4.16 t ha–1yr–1). We identified areas that are at risk along the inter-rows, assessed the effectiveness of erosion control measures (how much and where should be used), and gave some suggestions to take steps forwards to protect soil health and productivity.
AB - Many aspects regarding the reduction of soil erosion and the effectiveness of nature-based solutions, such as catch crops and their spatial distribution, still remain unknown. To address these questions, in this study, we utilized a combination of the Improved Stock Unearthing Method (ISUM), surveys of biomass and vine vigor, and soil profile characterization in a Mediterranean vineyard located in the unexplored viticultural region of Valle de Lecrín (Granada, Spain). Our findings revealed that the use of catch crops after cutting the vines did not lead to significant changes in soil properties along the profile, including organic matter, aggregate stability, and nutrient content, but there were positive results in reducing soil surface lowering in specific areas. These positive outcomes also correlated with the highest levels of vine vigor, measured by assessing the vine’s perimeter at three different heights. ISUM, utilizing the graft union as a passive bioindicator to assess surface lowering predominantly caused by soil erosion rates and surface changes, showed a sedimentation rate of 17.88 t ha–1yr–1. Under the vine these rates reached a total of 13.73 t ha–1yr–1 and along the rest of the inter-row area much lower values (4.16 t ha–1yr–1). We identified areas that are at risk along the inter-rows, assessed the effectiveness of erosion control measures (how much and where should be used), and gave some suggestions to take steps forwards to protect soil health and productivity.
KW - Improved Stock Unearthing Method
KW - Land degradation
KW - Soil erosion
KW - Vineyard management
U2 - 10.1127/zfg/2024/0811
DO - 10.1127/zfg/2024/0811
M3 - Article
SN - 0372-8854
JO - Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie
JF - Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie
ER -