engleski

Effect of Slope on the Copper Distribution of Vineyard Soils

In order to control vine diseases Cu-based fungicides have been applied to vineyards, which resulted into increased Cu concentrations in vineyard soils. The goal of this research was to define influence of slope inclination on the total copper content in organic vineyards. Two organic vineyard soils were investigated near Zelina, Croatia in September 2008. From the top to the bottom, at the slope length of 85 m and 15 % of slope inclination, five profiles were opened at each vineyard. The profiles were divided into four layers (0-7, 7-15, 15-30 and 30- 50 cm). Soil pH was measured in 1M KCl suspension (1:2.5), whereas total C, N and S were determined by dry combustion method. Soil samples for total copper analysis were extracted with aqua regia and determined by AAS. On the first vineyard the whole area had an average soil pH of 7.27. Compared to the deeper layers significantly higher Cu content was determined in the surface soil layers (0-7 cm). The highest total Cu content was determined at the lowest profile location (fifth profile) on depth of 15-30 cm (394 mg/kg). On the first vineyard Cu content decreased with soil depth, except on fifth profile, where total Cu content slightly increased. It indicates that the slope, i.e. water erosion is one of the crucial factors for determined Cu content. Very strong correlation was found between organic matter content and total Cu content (R2 = 0.77). At the second location, three profiles were opened in the vineyard (top and middle of the hill) and two were opened at the pasture (bottom of the hill). There are some differences in investigated chemical properties between vineyard soil and pasture soil. The average total Cu content (36 mg/kg) in pasture soils samples is below threshold values according to Croatian Low (NN 15/92). On the second vineyard, total Cu content decreased with increasing profile depth. The highest (273 mg/kg) and the lowest (51 mg/kg) total Cu contents were determined at second soil profile on depth of 0-7 cm and 30-50 cm, respectively.

soil; copper; vineyard; slope; organic matter

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